Kieran Cuddihy Leaving Newstalk for RTÉ Radio
Ciaran cuddihy to Join RTÉ Radio 1 Following Ray D’ArcyS Departure
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Key Developments
Ciaran Cuddihy, currently presenting ‘The Hard Shoulder’ on Newstalk and hosting ‘The Tonight Show’ on virgin Media, is expected to join RTÉ Radio 1. This announcement follows closely after RTÉ’s confirmation that Ray D’Arcy is leaving the station after 11 years.
Staff at RTÉ Radio 1 were briefed on future plans, including Cuddihy’s potential role, by Director of Audio Patricia Monahan this morning.
Ciaran Cuddihy’s Background
Cuddihy has been with Newstalk since 2011, taking over ‘The Hard Shoulder’ in 2020, succeeding Ivan Yates as reported by Newstalk. Prior to this, he was part of the Newstalk breakfast show presenting team.
A qualified solicitor from Kilkenny, Cuddihy began his broadcasting career as a reporter before transitioning to current affairs programming. He recently moderated the first broadcast presidential debate on Virgin Media in September 2024 as covered by Virgin Media Television.
Ray D’Arcy’s Departure and Reaction
Ray D’Arcy announced his departure from RTÉ Radio 1 on October 9, 2024, after 11 years hosting his daily afternoon show. In a statement, D’Arcy expressed his ”huge disappointment” with RTÉ management regarding the handling of his exit according to RTÉ.
Future Roles and Speculation
The specific program Cuddihy will present at RTÉ Radio is currently unknown. It remains unclear whether he will continue to host ‘The Tonight Show’ on Virgin Media.
Speculation suggests Cuddihy is a leading contender to replace joe Duffy as the presenter of RTÉ’s ‘Liveline’, following Duffy’s retirement in June 2024 as reported by RTÉ News.