RTÉ presenter diagnosed with cancer

RENOWNED RTÉ journalist Áine Lawlor has been diagnosed with cancer and will be off air for while she undergoes treatment.

The Morning Ireland stalwart announced her departure on air yesterday morning, bidding a temporary farewell to some 460,000 listeners.

Just before 9am the mother-of-four said she was “taking a break for medical treatment”, and it is understood she has breast cancer.

RTÉ confirmed that Ms Lawlor is undergoing treatment for cancer and asked that her privacy be respected.

“Ms Lawlor will be continuing to work and she is positive about the outcome. She would be grateful for privacy during this period,” the state broadcaster said it a statement.

Ms Lawlor has worked for RTÉ since 1984 and has presented the nation’s most listened to radio show for the last 16 years.

Over the course of her career she has worked on the Pat Kenny show, Today at 5 and Today Tonight at RTÉ.

A Trinity College graduate, Ms Lawlor (49) was president of the students’ union and is married to RTÉ producer Ian Wilson.

It is not known how long she will be off the air.