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Marty Whelan on life as a grandad and how it has changed his world

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Marty Whelan is up there with some of the most recognisable faces in RTÉ, and while he may love his job, family life is his number one priority.

Making his way into the RTÉ radio studio in the late seventies, he rubbed shoulders with some of the greats such as Gay Byrne and Gerry Ryan.

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With no intention of hanging up his earphones just yet, Marty has another important job on the side that keeps him busy... he is a grandad.

Marty Whelan with wife Maria during the launch of Marty Whelan’s memoir "That’s Life"
Marty Whelan with wife Maria during the launch of Marty Whelan’s memoir "That’s Life". Pic: Gareth Chaney Collins

Marty and his wife Maria's daughter Jessica and her husband Conor are proud parents to a little girl called Lily Nora who was named after Marty's mum.

Marty has often spoken about how Lily's arrival has been a joy for all the family and it looks like he's a very hands-on grandparent.

Marty Whelan and daughter Jessica. Pic: Andres Poveda
Marty Whelan and daughter Jessica. Pic: Andres Poveda

Chatting with RSVP, Marty told how he and Maria are looking after Lily during the week while Jessica is working.

'Maria and I have taken to minding her during the day, which is quite wonderful. That only happened recently,' he said.

Marty continued: 'It’s a whole new world [being a grandparent]. When you have children, you love them and it’s amazing, but you never think that you will have that love for another human being ever again. Here Lily is! It’s incredible how that happens.'

Ahead of going to Sweden for Eurovision in May, the presenter also spoke to the RTÉ Guide about life at home and how becoming a grandad has changed his perception.

Marty Whelan and his daughter Jessica at the opening night of Disney's Aladdin at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Marty Whelan and his daughter Jessica at the opening night of Disney's Aladdin at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy

'We got a grandchild a year ago, Lily Nora (named after his mum), and it's the best thing ever. She is amazing and wonderful and we have her a lot, since Jessica, my daughter, has gone back to work.

Marty is completely smitten with Lily, stating: 'Lily is a piece of joy in my life.'

So much so that he doesn't feel the need to fill his weekends socialising, telling the publication: 'I don't fancy going off to the bowling alley or for pints with the lads. I just want to go home and see Lily.

It sounds like little Lily has grandad wrapped around her little finger.

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