PRESENTER OF RTÉ’s News at One and The Week in Politics Séan O’Rourke will take over Pat Kenny’s 10am to 12noon slot on Radio 1.

The change comes following Kenny’s shock announcement that he was leaving the state broadcaster after 41 years to join Newstalk.

Sean O’Rourke said he was “excited” about taking over Kenny’s and will begin on September 2.

In other changes at Montrose, Claire Byrne joins Morning Ireland but will also continue to present Saturday with Claire Byrne on Radio 1, and Prime Time on RTÉ One television.

Miriam O’Callaghan will continue to present The John Murray Show for the autumn with John set to return in the coming months. She will also return to RTÉ One’s Prime Time in September.

Aine Lawlor and Richard Crowley will alternate as presenters of RTÉ Radio 1’s News at One, with Aine Lawlor also hosting The Week in Politics on RTÉ One television.

“I’m swapping breakfast for lunchtime and relishing the challenge of a solo gig,” Lawlor said.

Jim Jennings, acting managing director of RTÉ Radio played down rumours that Kenny will take his strong listenership with him to Newstalk.

“Sean will showcase the best of what listeners love about the Today show. We are intent on holding and building listeners in this key slot; with Sean O’Rourke, listeners have an easy choice to make in staying with Radio 1,” Jennings said.

The new schedule is as follows:

• 7.00-9.00am: Claire Byrne is announced as new co-presenter of Ireland’s number one radio show, Morning Ireland, joining Rachael English, Gavin Jennings and Cathal MacCoille.
• 9.00-10.00am: Miriam O’Callaghan will continue to present the key 9am slot for the autumn.
• 10.00-12.00pm: Sean O’Rourke has been named as the new presenter of the Today programme.
• 12.00-1.00pm: Ronan Collins will continue to present Ireland’s number one lunchtime music show.
• 1.00-1.45pm: Richard Crowley and Aine Lawlor announced as alternating presenters on RTÉ’s News at One
• 1.45-3.00pm: Joe Duffy presents Liveline, Ireland’s second most-listened-to radio programme.
• 3.00-4.30pm: Derek Mooney presents the nation’s biggest afternoon radio show.
• 4.30pm-7.00pm: Mary Wilson presents Ireland’s number one drivetime radio programme.

The Radio One gang:

Related: Pat Kenny on his Newstalk move: ‘The money is not the overriding factor’>

Read: Tubridy: Others might be tempted to leave RTÉ after Pat Kenny departure>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More