KATHRYN Thomas has opened up about her career move and how it may impact her family life.
The Rose of Tralee host is preparing for her move to Dublin’s Q102 to host The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas in the coming weeks.
The Carlow woman, who has been living in Dublin for the last 25 years told how she is “over the moon” with her new job and admitted she “can’t quite believe it”.
Kathryn and her husband Padraig McLoughlin have two kids together, Ellie and Grace.
And although adjusting to the early mornings is a big change, the 45-year-old believes it will work well for her family.
Kathryn told VIP Magazine: “It is a big move for me with routine and getting up early. One of the biggest decisions was the family because I am not going to be around in the mornings anymore.
“I will be finished at 10am and will be there in the afternoons, which actually will work nicely for us with the girls the age they are at now.”
The much-loved broadcaster has presented RTE shows like Operation Transformation, Ireland’s Fittest Family, No Place Like Home and The Voice of Ireland.
She also has vast experience on radio, having worked on RTE Radio 1 for years, but this will be her first full-time, fixed-term gig in broadcasting.
The former Operation Transformation host explained: “For years I have been a juggling Jenny! In fact, I have never had a five day a week job – in one place!
“It is slightly terrifying! I have always liked the way I have never really know which way my life is going to go. If I am going to have a family, if Operation Transformation is coming back. If if if….”
The mum-of-two shared that her move to full-time breakfast on Dublin’s station Q102 is down to providing for her young family.
“I think people think that if you are in TV, you don’t have to work a day in your life. My work is very much about paying the bills and ensuring myself and Padraig are providing for the family. But at the same time, I have never taken a job that I haven’t given 100 per cent to.”
After launching her very own breakfast radio show Kathryn vowed to “give it my all”.
The star will kick off weekday mornings with her show from 7am to 10am, when Ryan Tubridy will take over the airwaves until 1pm.
Thomas, 45, said she’s ready to put her “own stamp” on the show in the New Year — but vowed to also continue with her RTE projects.
JOINING JOY
She told The Irish Sun: “I really want to give it my all, create something great and enjoy taking on this new challenge.
“Getting to put my own stamp and creative licence on this show is so exciting. I am really looking forward to working on RTE television projects in 2025 too.”
The Carlow woman also hopes the radio show will be a “fresh listen”.
She said: “We want The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas to be a laid back, fresh listen that will brighten up your day, no matter what side of the bed you get out of.
“Irish people are the best in the world for good chats and chinwags and there’s no-one better than the Dubs for a bit of banter. So I’m thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to be a small but important part of people’s day.”
Kathryn is excited to work with the new Q102 team saying: “I have to say I love all of the people that I’ve met so far at Q102.
“They are relaunching the station, rebranding and with their brand new studios, they have big plans for the station. No pressure!”
