Christy Dignam’s final interview aired on RTÉ Radio 1 this morning.
The Aslan star, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer back in 2013, spoke to Ryan Tubridy from his home in Finglas – where he is receiving palliative care.
In the emotional interview, the 62-year-old said: “Nobody wants to die. When I first got diagnosed [with cancer], I remember praying I was like ‘please, just give me 10 more years.’ And that 10 years are up now and you’re kind of saying, ‘I know I only asked for 10 but you couldn’t throw another 10 in there could you, yeah?”
"You'll never do that again. You'll never sing again."
We have a very special show at 9am this morning as Ryan sits down with Aslan legend, Christy Dignam to talk about pretty much everything. ❤️@RyanTubridyShow pic.twitter.com/P9EFvlrD4e— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) April 17, 2023
When asked how he’s feeling as he comes to the end of his life, Christy admitted: “I’m happy, and I get very sad, and I get very scared.”
Christy is spending his final days in his house, where there is a medical bed set up in the living room.
He said: “It’s a conveyor belt up to heaven. I’ll come in here and that’ll be the end of it.”
Taking to Twitter to react to the interview, one listener wrote: “Heart breaking interview on RTE1 now with Christy Dignam and Ryan Tubridy.”
Another tweeted: “Listening to Christy Dignam on @RTERadio1 and oh God, my heart is sore.”
A third penned: “Transfixed by Christy Dignam’s interview on @RyanTubridyShow on @RTERadio1. Green Fields of France sung by him had me in floods. Great, brave man. Wishing him all the best. @OfficialAslan.”
Check out more reactions below:
Emotional, raw and honest interview on the @RyanTubridyShow this morning with Christy Dignam. “Like Lazarus” in his front room he shared his refreshing views on death, nothing sugarcoated. He will always be one of the greatest voices to come out of Ireland. Thank you Christy❤️
— Yasmin Kelly (@YasminKellyyyy) April 17, 2023
Christy Dignam, a genuinely lovely man. Hope it gives him some comfort to say what he wanted to on Ryan Tubridy. A heart breaking listen.
— Rachel McGrath (@rachg78) April 17, 2023
Listening to Christy Dignam on Ryan Tubridy. Heartbreakingly beautiful
— Cassandra (@sandiroe) April 17, 2023
Heart breaking interview on RTE1 now with Christy Dignam and Ryan Tubridy .
— Paul Moran (@PaulMor36729103) April 17, 2023
Incredible interview with Christy Dignam on @RyanTubridyShow just now
A sad moment as it could be the last interview for Christy
A mercurial talent, who will leave us far too soon. Kudos to Ryan for a powerful and empathetic interview#ChristyDignam #Aslan #ryantubridy
— Dáire Róibéard Ó'Nualláin (@DaireRNolan) April 17, 2023
Listening to Christy Dignam on @RTERadio1 and oh God, my heart is sore.
— Amy Gaffney aka Rosie Hannigan🌸🌙🪷 (@gaffneyamy) April 17, 2023
Transfixed by Christy Dignam’s interview on @RyanTubridyShow on @RTERadio1 . Green Fields of France sung by him had me in floods. Great, brave man. Wishing him all the best. @OfficialAslan
— Owie Dub (@owiedub) April 17, 2023
@RyanTubridyShow listening to the interview with Christy Dignam. It is so emotional and touching. I have met Christy many times in the past and he was always a pleasure to speak to.
— eric lalor (@LalorEric) April 17, 2023
Christy Dignam interview with Ryan Tubridy 🥹🥹🥹 very sad but outstanding .. Christy is a brave finglas man and a hero to many ❤️ @_RyanTubridy you played a blinder and thanks for bringing this to us .
— Séan (@Sean__bmr) April 17, 2023
❤️❤️Lump in the throat listening to Christy Dignam withTubs.
Powerful radio @RyanTubridyShow 🇮🇪🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/6haBYY44Ht— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) April 17, 2023
Wonderful & moving listening to Christy Dignam wt Ryan Tubridy this morning on @rteradio1 @ryantubidyshow
— Aidan Hynes (@AidanHynes5) April 17, 2023
Amazing interview with Christy Dignam on @RTERadio1 tough to listen to in parts but what a man.
— Des Henderson (@desfilmsstuff) April 17, 2023
