Tracy Clifford: Authenticity, IVF & Life After 2FM’s Tumultuous Year

Tracy Clifford, host of the popular afternoon show on RTÉ 2FM, has become known for her candid discussions on personal struggles, resonating with listeners across Ireland. On March 8, 2026, Clifford spoke openly about the challenges of IVF, endometriosis, and navigating a public career while facing private battles.

A Decade on 2FM: Navigating a Changing Landscape

Celebrating a decade with RTÉ 2FM, a station known for its youth demographic, Clifford acknowledges the station’s turbulent past. “I feel highly proud of it, for a show that is on a radio station that has had a lot of ups and downs over the past while,” Clifford stated. Her success as a female broadcaster in the afternoon slot is particularly noteworthy, as it remains a relatively uncommon position in a competitive market.

From Finglas to the Airwaves: A Lifelong Passion for Radio

Growing up in Finglas, Dublin, radio was a constant presence in Clifford’s life. Surrounded by a large, close-knit family – her parents had 11 and 5 siblings respectively – she developed an early obsession with music and the power of the airwaves. Her parents, U2 and Sade fans, instilled a love of music that would shape her future career. Early influences included 2FM’s Ian Dempsey and Simon Young, and the American-sounding DJs of Atlantic 252.

The Personal Toll of IVF

Clifford and her fiancé, Mark, underwent several years of IVF treatment, both in Ireland, and abroad. After a change of fertility doctors and new holistic therapies, Clifford was diagnosed with stage 3 silent endometriosis, which often affects fertility. “IVF is hard on your relationship, it’s hard on your body, it’s hard on your job, it’s hard on your friendships,” she says. “When it fails, you’re back on the treadmill again. Age is not on your side. It’s a lot of pressure. You have to consider your partner. It can bring you closer together, or you become so stressed with each other.”

The couple undertook fertility counselling, which Clifford found helpful. “We did it because I had to mourn a lot of things. I’ve done my mourning and we have a lovely life.” Clifford initially didn’t share her IVF journey publicly, stating, “I’m not very good with pity, where the head tilts. I’m like, ‘Don’t. I don’t have time for this’.”

The Language of Fertility Treatment

Clifford as well criticized the language used within the IVF industry, describing it as “manipulating.” She pointed to add-ons like “EmbryoGlue” as examples of marketing tactics that sell a dream and can lead to further disappointment when treatment is unsuccessful. “You’re like, ‘I don’t have the money’.”

Radio as a Refuge

Despite personal challenges, Clifford found solace in her work. “No matter what is happening in your life, that red light has to go on. It’s like a meditation. By three o’clock, when my show is over, whatever way I was feeling at 12 is gone. So you’re not spiralling, you’re not ruminating. The minute the red light goes on, you have to be in the zone.”

Irish Music and Collective Experiences

Clifford recently presented The Choice Music Prize at Vicar Street, which was won by CMAT. She noted a growing sense of “cultural nationalism” in Irish music, citing artists like Fontaines D.C., CMAT, and Kneecap. She highlighted the importance of collective experiences, contrasting current trends with the energy of past concerts like Oasis at Croke Park.

Looking Ahead

Clifford emphasizes that her work doesn’t define her. She and Mark have renovated their home in Crumlin, travel, and enjoy time with friends and family. “Working in a job like this isn’t my everything. My job doesn’t define me as a person. While having the job that I love is a gift, if it was to complete tomorrow, you would regroup, have a think and move on, to the next thing.”

“Women in their 40s are only beginning,” she concludes. “Women who have worked in a career for 20 years carry such intellectual weight. I’m 45. There’s lots more I want to do.”

Tracy Clifford presents the afternoon show on RTÉ 2FM from noon to 3pm.