Doireann Garrihy is set to return to RTÉ 2FM to present the station’s Drivetime show following her departure last year.
Garrihy announced last May that she would be leaving the station after five years, saying it was “time for ventures new” and paying tribute to her 2FM Breakfast co-hosts, Donncha O’Callaghan and Carl Mullan.
“Radio is where my heart is, and absence has only made the heart grow fonder,” Garrihy said in a post on Instagram on Thursday.
“It is an absolute dream come true to have my very own show. I cannot wait to put my own stamp on it, to rise at a reasonable hour and to be back with you, the listeners.”
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Her return is part of a new daytime and weekend schedule announced by 2FM this week. Other voices joining the Dancing with the Stars host on the airwaves weekday include Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner, who will co-present a new breakfast show from 6am. Mid-morning will continue with Laura Fox daily from 9am, while Tracy Clifford is still in the 12pm slot. Benny Bracken, Helen Galgey, Mikey O’Reilly and Demi Issac are also joining the station as part of the revamped weekend schedule.
“I’m really excited to launch our daytime schedule with new and familiar voices on 2FM as we welcome back Doireann to present our new Drivetime show and look forward to Carl, Roz, and Aisling as our new breakfast hosts,” Dan Healy, head of RTÉ 2FM, said.
“Designed for today’s audience, the new schedule will have an emphasis on Irish and new music, inclusivity and original entertainment.”
RTÉ's director of audio Patricia Monahan said the new schedule demonstrated the station’s commitment “to nurture the next generation of presenting talent and bring new voices to the national airwaves”.
“For decades, RTÉ 2FM has been a launch pad for some of the most recognisable names in Irish broadcasting. This legacy continues on both our weekday and weekend schedules, as we continue to nurture the next generation of presenting talent and bring new voices to the national airwaves,” she said.
“I have no doubt that they will add their unique flavour to 2FM’s iconic sound and look forward to working with them and the entire team to engage and inspire listeners as we embark on a new and exciting era for 2FM.
“With this diversity of original Irish voices, and our renewed commitment to Irish music, 2FM will truly be the sound of the nation.”
The new daytime and weekend schedules will start in February 2025.
