‘We all make decisions based on where we are’ – Marty Whelan on Joe Duffy’s retirement, Eurovision and being a grandad

The broadcaster was surprised when his RTÉ colleague Joe Duffy announced he would be hanging up his headphones last week.

In June, the Liveline host will leave Montrose after 37 working with RTÉ.

“He is considerably older than me by about five months,” Whelan jokingly said.

“I know Joe obviously well over the years and I was surprised that he decided to make this decision. But we all make decisions based on where we are in life.

“I am still very happy doing what I am doing, I love the radio. The figures are good and the show works. It’s fun – again it’s entertainment.

“Joe’s show is about causes and he does that brilliantly and it’s his background. But for me it’s about entertainment. It is a gentler style of life and I am lucky I am able to do this and fool so many people for so many years. And I intend to continue doing it. I love it, I am very lucky.”

He continued: “I don’t know if I want to retire. I don’t know that I would want to stop because I love what I do. And if you are lucky enough to love what you do and have your health and happiness… I don’t want to sound trite but genuinely if you are lucky enough to love it as much as I do, I have no intention of stopping.”

Whelan also spoke about how becoming a grandfather has enriched his life immeasurably.

Last year, his daughter Jessica had her daughter Lily Nora – who is named after both her maternal and paternal great-grandmothers.

“I am sadly obsessed,” he said.

“I am putty in her hands. She is magnificent and we are in love. We are minding her during the day. Well, I say we – you see where I am right now. My wife is minding her and she is fantastic. I can’t wait to get home and see her every day. It’s a whole new world.”