Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts has paid tribute to his wife Niamh, admitting she has been a constant source of support as their family navigates a whirlwind few years of major life changes.
The Donegal native revealed that when he landed his role on Ireland AM, he and Niamh initially tried to make the long-distance commute work before ultimately deciding to relocate with their young family.
“When I was offered the job on Ireland AM, myself and Niamh spoke at length about what it might mean,” Eric explained. “We actually tried a couple of weekends travelling back and forth — renting apartments for the weekend and then driving back to Donegal after the show — but it wasn’t working, and it was too much with a young baby.”
The couple eventually decided a move was the best option, with Eric praising Niamh for taking the lead during what was a busy and uncertain period.
“When we decided we had to move, Niamh took it upon herself to find us a nice apartment in an area I’d like that was close to her friends. Then a month later, Dancing with the Stars came along. It’s been one big change after another, but she’s been incredible — so supportive and understanding of how important these opportunities are.”
Eric and Niamh’s relationship stretches back to their teenage years, having first met when they were both 16 years old.
“I met her when we were 16 at a dance class I’d been dragged to in transition year,” he recalled. “We spoke every day since. She went off to college then and we were on and off for a long time.”
The couple eventually found their way back to each other during the Covid pandemic, with Eric revealing: “Around when Covid hit, we found ourselves back in the same town and that was it.
“We’d been broken up for years in between, but we always knew we’d get back together. So when it finally happened, it was like, ‘Right, that’s it now — we’ll just get married.'”
The presenter also opened up about life as a first-time father, admitting parenthood has been the biggest challenge he has ever faced.
“I think it’s the biggest challenge and biggest undertaking you could ever have, Your whole life changes — you’re no longer the priority. You have one job and that’s to keep this person alive and it’s terrifying”, he said.
It has also changed how he approaches work, with Eric admitting he now frequently turns down opportunities he previously would have jumped at.
“I had to say no to maybe six or seven trips last year that I never would have considered turning down before. You just have to be more selective with your time.”
However, while it has been life-changing, Eric adds that he couldn’t be more grateful.
“It’s changed our whole lives, but we love it so much. We always wanted to be parents, so we’re just enjoying it. He is a total daddy’s boy at the moment— it’s driving Niamh mental, I love it,” he laughed.
“I’ve always loved kids, so having my own little mini-me now is just incredible.”
To read the full interview with Eric and see all the stunning photos, pick up a copy of RSVP’s June issue, on shelves now.
Photography by Kate Nolan @kate_nolan_photography
Styling by Laura Mullett, @lauramullettstylist
Hair by Sarah Nugent, IG: @sarahhair.x
Make-up by Jade Mullett, IG: @jademullettmua
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