Inside Katie Hannon's family life with husband Andrew and twin girls

Extra.ie​

5 days ago

Katie Hannon has been one of the most prominent figures in the Irish current affairs world for a number of years now.
However, it's a sad day for Upfront fans, as RTE confirmed today that the show has been axed and won't return.
Issuing a statement, the presenter said she was 'proud' of what Upfront achieved, adding: 'We managed to buck the international trend and actually grew our audience on linear television and our digital footprint. Katie Hannon. Pic: RTÉ
'It was a privilege to work with our small team of talented and hardworking colleagues led by our editor Janet Traynor. I also want to thank all of those who came into our studio and trusted us with their stories and contributed to the national conversation on the issues that matter to all of us.
'I'm disappointed that we won't be able to keep that conversation going.'
But what do we know about the Kerry native's life away from the camera? Katie Hannon in 1997. Pic: Eamonn Farrell Photocall Ireland
Katie Hannon was born in August 1971 and is from the village of Duagh in Co Kerry.
The popular RTE presenter grew up on a farm with her seven siblings: three brothers and four sisters. Katie Hannon in 1999. Pic: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland
As a child, Katie attended Duagh National School and Presentation Secondary School in Listowel before studying journalism at the Dublin Institute of Technology.
The Hannon family suffered a devastating tragedy in 1993 when her brother, Joe, lost his battle to cancer at just 30.
Speaking to RTE Guide in 2023, the 53-year-old said the shock passing 'left a huge hole' in the family. Katie Hannon in 2005. Pic: Photocall Ireland
She said: 'Joe was in his late teens when he was first diagnosed and recovered after treatment.
'Then he got another type of cancer in his late 20s and that was ultimately that.'
After finishing college, Katie served as a political correspondent for the Evening Herald from 1992 to 1999, and then for the Irish Examiner until 2001.
She was also political editor of Ireland on Sunday from 2002 to 2004, before finally joining RTE when she appeared on an episode of The Panel. Katie Hannon on RTÉ Radio 1. Pic: RTÉ
After that, Katie was seen presenting Prime Time at different phases, but she moved on to present RTE Radio One shows The Late Debate and Saturday with Katie Hannon from 2018 to 2022.
In November 2022 the news came that Katie would be taking over from Claire Byrne with her own show, Upfront with Katie Hannon. The show started airing in January 2023.
Katie has also regularly filled in for Joe Duffy on Liveline, with many people now speculating more than ever that she could be taking over after Duffy announced his retirement.
Betting has been slashed to 1/5 on Hannon taking over Liveline, according to bookies.
A Ladbrokes spokesperson said: 'It looks as though a decision has been made when it comes to Joe Duffy's replacement… with Upfront now cancelled, Katie Hannon's diary is now clear for the iconic gig, and the odds suggest it's hers.'
Katie is fairly private in terms of her family life.
She is married to her husband, Andrew Fitzpatrick, who also works for RTE, and the couple shares twin daughters who were born in 2010, meaning they are around 15 years old today.