IRELAND AM star Alan Hughes has admitted he is "terrified of dying" after experiencing multiple tragic family deaths. The Virgin Media star first experienced grief at just 10 years old after his parents died within six months of each other. Alan has now opened up about his grief and how the passing of his loved ones has made him "more determined".
Speaking to the RTE Guide , the 60-year-old discussed how he was orphaned at a young age after his mum and dad both passed away. Describing the tough time, he said: "It was a shock for all the family. She [his mother] had been unwell, so I was in her room, just lying with her and she passed.
" The popular presenter also went through a hard period when his sister Doreen passed away, just a year after he got married to his husband Karl Broderick. The Irish star recalled the first time his sister met his partner and laughed: "When Doreen first met Karl, she said 'I really like you but if you do anything on him, I'll come and haunt you!' "Now, when something good happens for myself and Karl I say, 'Ah they are all looking down on us." And Alan's brother David sadly died back in 2017 after a short battle with lung cancer.
The TV host has highlighted how his siblings passing has made him "very determined". He said: "When you see your sister and your brother die at a youngish age, you just want to grasp life and live it. And I've always been a glass-half-full person.
" Alan told how he "believes there is a God" and "hopes there is a life aft.
