Latest news with #RTE2FM
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
From Breakfast DJ to stroke survivor in a split second
Imagine working as a busy DJ on a major Dublin radio station, while managing a rock band on the side, (as you do) and you will have an idea of what it was like to be Breakfast Show jock Gerry Stevens. Also known as Gerry Lang, of the 'Lang' radio family, well-known in the world of Irish broadcasting, Gerry is a household name from his years behind the mic on RTE 2FM, 98FM, and Q102. But nothing could have prepared him for what was about to happen on an ordinary day in November 2017. Gerry Lang. Pic: Supplied Having done his usual Breakfast Show on Dublins Q102 that morning, Gerry was enjoying a quiet evening at home with his partner, now wife, Anne, when a 'brain hemorrhage' struck, and he found himself speeding by ambulance to the Stroke Unit of Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda. He had suffered a 'Hemorrhagic Stroke' at the age of just 50. Hemorrhagic stroke is due to bleeding into the brain by the rupture of a blood vessel. At the time, he'd been busy with his radio show and managing successful Cavan band 'The Strypes', and as he says himself, he wasn't particularly stressed at the time, neither did he believe he had any underlying conditions like high blood pressure. He describes the evening in question very matter-of-factly saying 'I just felt a wave of nausea come over me', and something he described as a 'fizzle' in the back of his head. 'I just knew it wasn't right, it wasn't a headache, it was something much more than that'. Stock image of stroke. Pic – Getty images Gerry admits he 'stupidly pleaded with Anne not to call an ambulance', but Anne knew this was serious and called the emergency services and luckily he made it to hospital in Drogheda in under 45 minutes where the medical staff in the stroke unit saved his life. During many months in rehabilitation, Gerry met a lot of people in similar situations, and looking for something to do, decided to start a podcast, aimed at helping stroke victims and their families navigate this new reality they find themselves in. Entitled 'STROKECAST', each episode features Gerry speaking with stroke survivors, as well as medical professionals involved in each case, and has proven to be hugely successful. Gerry Lang. Pic: Supplied But after 7 years of recovery, he was recently approached by Dublin City FM about going back 'ON AIR', and as a man who lives and breathes radio, how could he say no? So this Thursday, June 19th, 'Electric Dreams' will hit the airwaves between 7 and 9 pm on Dublin City FM 103.2 FM. Gerry describes the show as 'a celebration of synth pop and electronica' featuring all 80s and 90s synth and pop music, as well as interviews with bands from that era. And as the old saying goes, 'You can't keep a good man down' – DJ Gerry Stevens, the man who survived a catastrophic brain haemorrhage seven years ago, returns to the airwaves this week and hopes fans will tune in to hear something 'fresh and new' for evening listening. Tune into The Strokecast with Gerry Stevens – Podcast – Apple Podcasts
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I absolutely adore you', cries ex-Miss Ireland in heart-breaking tribute to ‘remarkable' late dad after cancer battle
FORMER Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt has announced the death of her father Rudolf. The beauty's dad sadly passed away after a long-term battle with pancreatic cancer. 3 Jasmine Gerhardt's father has passed away Credit: Instagram 3 He was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer days after his daughter was crowned Miss Ireland Credit: Instagram 3 Jasmine made an emotional tribute to her dad on social media Credit: Instagram 27-year-old Jasmine, from Clonsilla, took to her today to share the devastating personal news with her fans. Rudolf was diagnosed with stage four of the disease just days after his girl took home the Miss Ireland crown back in 2023. On her social media Jasmine, who has a master's degree in Human Rights and European Union Law, posted some beautiful snaps she had taken over the years with her dad. In one photo, the pair were all smiles as they grinned wide for a quick selfie. read more on miss ireland In another snap, Jasmine looked over the moon to be on FaceTime with her dad while he was soaking up the sun on a holiday. In a heart-warming throwback snap to when she was a tot, Jasmine looked unrecognisable sitting on her dad's shoulders as they both explored a stables. She also penned a heartfelt message to her late dad alongside the images. She said: "Rest in Peace Dad. The love of my life, my best friend I truly don't know how I will live without you. Most read in Celebrity "Thank you for being the most remarkable man I'll ever meet - I adore you dad I absolutely adore you. Until we meet again Schatzi." Friends and fans raced to the model's comment section to share their condolences. RTE 2FM star shares 'stressful' bad habits Former Xposé host, Glenda Gilson wrote: "Aww, I'm sorry, Jasmine. Thinking of you all today." Aoife commented: "Aw Jas I'm so sorry to hear this & so sorry for your loss. Sending you love." Chris wrote: "Jasmine so sorry for your loss, thinking of you and your family." 'SO MUCH LOVE' Another fan added: "Sending so much love to you Jas. You are so strong and I'm sure he is the proudest Dad in the world." Jasmine had the honour of holding the Miss Ireland title for longer than usual as there was no ceremony in 2024. But due to her dad's illness and eventual passing, she was unable to make During the evening, 21 finalists stepped out into the spotlight vying for the coveted crown at the glam event. However, only one of the girls could emerge on top to claim the Miss title - and that was Caoimhe Kenny, daughter of former manager, Stephen Kenny.
Sunday World
28-05-2025
- Sunday World
Roz Purcell narrates new doc about murder of Elizabeth Plunkett by killers Evans and Shaw
The six-part podcast series Stolen Sister is set for release this week. Elizabeth Plunkett, murdered by Englishmen, Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw on August 29, 1976. Picture supplied by family Roz Purcell is set to narrate a brand new RTE radio documentary and podcast about the murder of Elizabeth Plunkett in 1976. Stolen Sister delves into the murder of the 23-year-old, who was abducted and killed by Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw after a night out in Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow. The two British men came to Ireland with the intention of murdering one woman per week, but were detained after they killed their second victim, Mary Duffy. Elizabeth Plunkett, murdered by Englishmen, Geoffrey Evans and John Shaw on August 29, 1976. Picture supplied by family News in 90 Seconds - May 28th However, the men were only sentenced for Duffy's death, not that of Elizabeth Plunkett. Taking to social media, the influencer and RTE 2FM presenter announced that she would host the six-part series ' I dunno why I'm so nervous to come on and talk about it,' she began. 'I think it's because we've been working on this for pretty much a year now, and I've just seen the incredible amount of work that the RTE Doc on One team, like the dedication, the investigation, and passion they have to create these podcasts. 'We're hoping with this podcast that it will appeal to people for new information,' she continued. 'It'll appeal for new witnesses to get this case re-looked at and finally get this family justice. 'I'm absolutely so delighted to be involved and help in any way that I can to share this story.' Purcell said she wants to help Elizabeth's sisters Kathleen and Bernie get justice for their sister. 'We're not just talking about Elizabeth as a victim, where also talking about who she was. 'I feel like anyone who's involved in this project is so invested in helping this family.' The first episode of Stolen Sister is set to be released this Friday.
Dublin Live
25-05-2025
- Dublin Live
Former RTE star 'taken advantage of' as she avoids jail over money laundering scam
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former 2FM DJ Nikki Hayes has said she was "taken advantage of" as she opened up about avoiding jail over a money laundering scam. The Dubliner, who had her own show on RTE 2FM from 2003 to 2010, avoided a criminal conviction and jail time last October for her part in a money-laundering scam after the court accepted that she was a vulnerable person who was taken advantage of. The court was told the money - about €15,000 lodged into her bank account as part of a laundering scam - had been repaid and Nikki had not gained financially. The judge also said she had shown a complete turnaround and would not serve any sentence or have a criminal record. Opening up about the court case, Nikki – whose real name is Eimear O'Keeffe - said: "You're locked away in rehab for months and then suddenly you're out and there's cameras in your face. "My key worker was with me and she held my hand and said, 'Just keep praying until we get to the car', and as we walked there was a guy with a TV camera who ran up behind us and I just kept praying and praying until I got in." Some people trolled her about the case on social media. "It's been proven, the Garda from the fraud squad said at the court case that I was genuinely taken advantage of and had nothing to do with what happened, which is why I was discharged from the indictment," she said. Nikki also told the Sunday Independent that she ended up homeless in 2023 after she lost her job and got in with the wrong crowd. She admitted she had been drinking during her days as an RTÉ radio DJ but that she was "scarily high-functioning" and drank six bottles of wine per day as she broadcast her radio show from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. When she became homeless in 2023, she used to sleep in the doorway of the Penneys store on O'Connell Street or on a bench near the Jervis shopping centre. "I had a blue sleeping bag with cardboard underneath. That cold feeling when you're so wet and you feel dirty... it was just horrendous." She said she hit rock bottom one night as she watched a crowd of people pass her coming out of a nightclub, and she felt "invisible". Nikki said: "I felt so ashamed and dirty and like a piece of trash, and then two Gardaí walked by and they didn't even look at me." The 46-year-old has since gone through an 18-month rehabilitation programme in Tiglin to detox herself from drugs and alcohol. Now that she is back on track, Nikki added that her 12-year-old daughter is keeping her motivated. She added: "I have my daughter, she has her mother present now, and that's what's important." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Dublin Live
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Lottie Ryan opens up on moment she learned her dad Gerry Ryan had died
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Lottie Ryan has opened about the moment she found out her dad, legendary broadcaster Gerry Ryan, had died. Marking the 15th anniversary of the RTE 2FM star's passing, Ms Ryan appeared on tonight's Late Late Show for an emotional interview with host Patrick Kielty. Discussing the day Gerry Ryan died in 2010, she said: "I was actually at home that day. I don't know if I was skipping college on purpose or what I was doing, but I was at home with my brother. "He didn't go on air that morning and I was listening and I tried to ring him, and he would never not answer the phone to me, and he didn't answer the phone. "So I kind of thought, oh, maybe he's not well. I left it for about 20 minutes, and when he didn't call me back, I went to call him again, and I was like, that's really weird that he wouldn't answer a second time. "So I started texting him, and wasn't getting anything. And then I think a couple of hours later, maybe around midday, the doorbell rang. And I think a lot of people say this when they have somebody really close to them that's passed away. "There's something in you that just knows something's happened. You just, I don't know what it is, but I just knew something. Then I walked downstairs and our GP was at the front door, and I opened the door, and I just instantly, I was like, 'where is he?'. "You know, obviously it took me a while to process. I thought maybe he was in hospital where I knew he was under a lot of stress, and I thought maybe he had just had a heart attack. But obviously it was worse than that, but something in you just knows. I mean so many people who lose someone, the pain and the intensity of that is something so hard." Ms Ryan also opened up about the difficulty of dealing with grief in the public eye. "I feel we were kind of locked up in the house for quite a while, like you couldn't really go out for a walk to get some fresh air, or you kind of felt like everyone was staring at you all the time and expecting you to be crying constantly," she said. "So, you know, one of the big things with grief is the first morning you wake up and they're not the first thing on your mind you feel guilty about. So it kind of felt like that constantly. Was like people were watching you, waiting to see you get upset and that's really difficult. So it prolonged the process, I think, and I think it's probably deeply affected all of us, but we are a really tight knit family." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
