Dancing With The Stars host Doireann Garrihy has revealed her beloved grandmother passed away just days after she made her debut on the show.
Margaret Droney, mother of her mum Clare, passed away peacefully on Tuesday last week in Co Clare.
In a Q&A with fans online, the presenter spoke of the difficult days in the lead up to Dancing With The Stars on Sunday.
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Doireann said: "We laid our nana Margaret to rest on Friday. A surreal few days of 'the show must go on'.
"She absolutely loved her style and she loved to dance too."
But Doireann kept her chin up as she also spoke about her joy at presenting the show, alongside Jennifer Zamparelli.
She added: "Two shows done, nine to go and I already know I'll miss it.
"The most brilliant team on screen and behind the scenes, it's been an absolute joy so far to be part of such a super production and I can't wait for the rest of the run."
It's a second blow for Doireann and her family after she lost her talented musician grandfather Chris Droney back in 2020.
Taking to Instagram at the time she wrote: "One the road to County Clare. Last night our beloved granddad left this world.
"95 years of music, laughter and love. It's hard to hit the road knowing we won't be met with his smiley eyes or concertina magic when we arrive in The Banner.
"We'll do our best to give him the send off he deserves this weekend."
Over his near nine decade music career, Chris received a TG4 Grádam Saoil award for lifetime achievement; a CCÉ Bardic Award, a Teastas award, the Clare Person of the Year Award in 2012 and the 2018 MÓRglór award.
He played alongside the Bell Harbour Céilí Band, the Kilfenora Céilí Band, the Ballinakill Céilí Band, Augrim Slopes and the Kincora Céilí Band throughout his career.
Chris also released three solo recordings, The Flowing Tide in 1962, The Fertile Rock in 1995 and Down From Bell Harbour in 2005.
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