Ryan Tubridy is the king of Irish radio and TV, best known for presenting the Late Late show on RTE One as well as hosting his own weekday morning show on the airwaves.
After the summer hiatus of the Late Late, the worlds longest-running talk show is back on RTE One this Friday, September 2 at 9.30pm.
While we probably all feel like we know Tubs as a friend, he is actually very private and not too much is known about his personal life. Here is everything we know about Ryan Tubridy from relationships to a fascinating family history.
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Ryan was once a married man
Ryan met his ex-wife Anne Marie Power in RTE 2FM in 1997, when she was going into a recording studio that he was leaving. The pair had a daughter, Ella before marrying in 2003.
The couple welcomed a second child, Julia, before separating in 2006. In 2019, Ryan told The Irish Sun that his two daughters were his “most important advisors”.
Ella recently finished her final year at Trinity College Dublin, where she completed a degree in sociology and social policy and received a first-class honours and and currently works as a Promotions Specialist, according to RSVP. Julia is still in secondary school.
Relationships including romance with Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain
Ryan began dating former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain in 2009. Aoibhinn is a broadcaster and lecturer in University College Dublin.
He asked her on a date after an interview on his former RTE weekend chat show, Tubridy Tonight. The pair were together for almost five years before breaking up in December 2014.
Ryan has not gone public with any relationships since Aoibhinn, however he was reportedly enjoying a staycation with a woman in the west of Ireland a couple of summers ago. The broadcaster is often seen out walking in Dun Laoghaire at weekends, but is usually alone with no reports of any romantic strolls.
Grandfathers hunger strike
His grandfather on his mother’s side, Christopher Stephen “Todd” Andrews, was taught by Patrick Pearse at St Enda’s School in Rathfarnham. Having spent 10 days in prison on hunger strike in 1920 for taking part in the War of Independence, Todd Andrews fought for the Anti-Treaty side in the Irish Civil War.
Andrews was appointed the IRA's General Headquarters and travelled the country supervising the training of IRA volunteers
He later became chairman of CIE and then the RTE Authority at the request of Sean Lemass. That’s not all, interestingly, Ryan's cousins include Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews and Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews.
The Late Late Toy Show
Ryan creates a magical show for the kids of Ireland every year. He has met pals like Saoirse Ruane and Adam King on the special episode of the Late Late Toy Show.
Saoirse is currently on her dream holiday in Disneyland Florida thanks to Ryan.
Her mum said: “Saoirse finally gets to go on her amazing dream holiday. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, Ryan Tubridy, Aer Lingus, the Late Late Show, RTE, The Maldron, Premier Chauffeurs, Dublin Airport, and everyone we met along the way.
“We are even more grateful to get to experience this amazing holiday through our brave kind soul Saoirse. Stay tuned for lots of fun while we take you along with us to the lost magic place DisneyWorld Florida.”
Ryan also recently took a road trip to Cork to see his "best friend" Adam King after "nearly two years" of waiting.
Ryan said: "We have landed in Cork, and nearly two years ago I promised I would visit a little friend of mine and I couldn't for ages and ages, and it's going to happen today." He then posted a video of him scooping the eight-year-old up into his arms as his family stood outside their home to greet him. He said: "It took two years but we got there, coffee, cake and a hug from Adam."
Interests
Ryan has often talked about his love of books and reading, and has been involved with some great charities over the years.
He is UNICEF Ambassador and he has a great interest in children literacy. Throughout the years, he has also been associated with the Saint Vincent De Paul toy appeal, helping to get children in need toys for Christmas time.
As well as that, he often donates his Christmas jumpers from The Late Late Toy show to be auctioned for charity- raising funds for magnificent causes, such as the Haiti Earthquake relief fund in 2010.
When looking to relax, Tubs can often be found stretching his legs along Dun Laoghaire pier. He enjoys walking and took part in Climb with Charlie where he climbed Croagh Patrick.
Salary
In 2021 Tubs topped RTE's list of highest earners. It was confirmed he earns €495,000 a year, ahead of Ray D'Arcy who earns €450,000 and Joe Duffy who is on €392,494.
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