RELIEF |
The dad-of-two is now in recovery mode following the drama that followed as the chef was in the middle of cooking a meal for his family
Donal Skehan
Donal’s update
RTÉ star Donal Skehan has revealed that he is on the mend after he was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery and is “feeling much better today”.
“The meds (are) working a treat,” he posted in an update on his Instagram Stories. “Had the firsst post up shower… always helps you come back to life.”
The dad-of-two is now in recovery mode following the drama that followed as the chef was in the middle of cooking a meal for his family.
Donal first let fans know he was poorly when he snapped himself hooked up to all manners of medical devices at the hospital.
Donal Skehan
News in 90 Seconds – 21 November 2025
He explained how he had suddenly became unwell and was rushed to A&E following a chaotic Sunday and Monday following a “delightful start to the week”.
The 39-year-old later thanked the staff and “absolute heroes” of the Mater Hospital for their help and care after he spent a few hours in the city centre hospital.
Donal later revealed to his followers how doctors had diagnosed him with appendicitis.
Taking to Instagram, he explained how he ended up staying in the hospital overnight: “Well I’ve now learned all I need to know about the appendix and appendicitis. The last 24 hours have been nonstop,” he posted.
“Had the [operation] last night to have it removed – Massive thanks to the amazing team at [the Mater Hospital] – the brilliant doctors, surgeons, nurses [and] porters.
“Absolute heroes, so amazing with all the patients and different cases. So much respect for what they do.”
He added: “Cooked Sunday family lunch for 10 and noticed a pain which got worse and worse!
Donal’s update
“Thankful to have caught it early. I hope it wasn’t the sticky toffee pud! On the mend – thanks for the lovely messages.”
The doting dad also shared some of the adorable handwritten cards from his sons Noah, seven, and Oliver, five, that wished him to get well soon.
Noah’s card read: “Dear Pappa, hope you feel better soon. Love Noah.”
It was all worth it in the end when the chef got to dish out a five-star review of the food he received in the hospital, though he had been waiting a long time before he got to enjoy a proper meal.
“Having not eaten since Sunday night, this is right up there as one of the best breakfasts ever!”, he declared alongside a photo of his meal.