Former RTE star breaks silence after absence from air with tragic update

Former RTE radio star Gareth O'Callaghan has explained his absence from his new radio show on Ireland's Classic Hits with a sad family update.

O'Callaghan posted an update on X over the weekend: "Sorry I haven't been on here for a while now, or on air at weekends. Sadly my younger brother Dave passed away 3 weeks ago following a long battle with cancer, bravely fought. We all miss him so much.

He added: I'll be back on air on Classic Hits Radio on the 26th [October]."

Fans of his new show and X followers were quick to send him condolences.

"My deepest condolences to you and your family, may he rest in peace the bed of heaven to him. Dying of cancer is terrible," one woman wrote.

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"So sorry to hear that, Gareth. Death is never easy. Take care," another said.

O'Callaghan has had his own health battles over the years and left his radio job back in 2018 after being diagnosed with the neurodegenerative illness multiple system atrophy (MSA) a rare, progressive and incurable disease.

He was also involved in bad crash with his wife and daughter in 2023, leaving him with a broken back and ruptured lung. He remained in hospital for six weeks after the crash before returning to the airwaves once again.