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Claire Byrne Signs Off From RTÉ Radio 1 as David McCullagh Set to Take Over on Nov. 10

Her move to Newstalk refocuses the battle for Ireland’s prime mid‑morning audience.

Overview

  • Byrne presented her final RTÉ Radio 1 show on Friday, thanking listeners and praising incoming host David McCullagh.
  • RTÉ confirmed McCullagh, formerly of Prime Time and the Six One bulletin, will begin hosting Today on Monday, Nov. 10.
  • Byrne is slated to take over Newstalk’s weekday 9am–noon programme in early 2026, replacing Pat Kenny, who shifts to weekends.
  • Today With Claire Byrne has been reported as drawing about 354,000 daily listeners since its 2020 launch.
  • The handover comes during wider RTÉ changes as its annual report detailed presenter pay, listing Joe Duffy at €351,000 and Byrne at €280,000, with the director general pledging no presenter will out-earn him from Jan. 1.