Claire: I got last rites over illness

Meningitis death scare as a teenager

- BY MICHELLE TOWNSEND

BROADCASTER Claire Byrne has recalled receiving last rites from a priest after contracting meningitis as a teenager.The Newstalk presenter spoke about the terrifying experience as health officials battle an outbreak of the brain bug in England.

Claire, 50, recalled: "The words literally started to move on the page. Like, if you think about it, the lining of your brain is swelling.

"So, you can imagine the pressure. It's also hard to move your neck.

"I didn't have any rash which would indicate sepsis.