There are reportedly fears more big names will follow Doireann Garrihy, after her shock announcement that she’s leaving RTÉ 2FM.
The presenter revealed her departure from the station on Wednesday morning, after five years.
In a statement, the radio host said it was “time for ventures new”, and confessed she wanted to pursue projects she’s been “dreaming about”.
The Irish Sun has since reported that RTÉ bosses are concerned other top stars may follow suit.
Following the payments scandal last year, the broadcaster has introduced a number of strict rules for their talent – including the new Register of Gifts.
Employees and contractors with RTÉ are now required to declare gifts above a value of €50, and must declare any conflicts of interest.
This has reportedly ruffled some feathers with their top stars, as they could lose out on lucrative sponsorship deals by working for the national broadcaster.
A source told the outlet: “There is no indication Doireann has left because of the new Register of Gifts. But the timing does certainly mean people are asking the question.
“The new rules were only introduced last month. There is a suspicion other big names will look for work elsewhere — where the financial scrutiny is less overbearing.
“Influencers have plenty of work and other options. RTE isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore.”
Goss.ie has reached out to RTÉ for a comment.
The news comes after Oliver Callan, who hosts The Nine O’Clock Show on RTÉ Radio 1, made a cryptic comment on Doireann’s exit from 2FM.
The 43-year-old said: “Very sorry to see the breaking news in the media world that Doireann Garrihy is leaving RTE 2FM after five years on the Breakfast Show there, they are going to miss her greatly over there.
“It is a bit of an earthquake to be honest in radio circles but she’ll continue broadcasting until the end of this month and then she’s gone.
“Sounds like she’s going to focus on her podcast and the world outside of here where maybe the rules are less restrictive and restricting for her so good luck to Doireann.”
“She’s very popular, she’s a really effervescent talent. She will do very well out there, very well on the outside,” he added.
Doireann announced her shock departure from RTÉ 2FM on Wednesday morning.
Explaining her decision, the Dublin native said: “After 5 years of 2FM Breakfast it’s time for ventures new.”
“Donncha and Carl, I have found brothers for life in you both. What an absolute blast of craic, ridiculous immaturity and lifelong bond building.”
“Anyone would be blessed to work with one gentleman every day, I was beyond blessed to work with two.
“To the loyal 2FM listeners, through thick and thin you’ve been there. Your support has meant everything. There wasn’t a day I didn’t hop out of the bed at 5am. Thank you for welcoming me with open ears back in 2019 and every day since.
“Producer Grace, you’re a boss, a queen, a friend for life. Willem, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you to Dan Healy for meeting me in 2019 and taking a chance on me. I’m so glad you did.”
“Now, it’s time for my podcasts Doireann and Friends and The Laughs Of Your Life, to travel, to give more to the people who have been on this journey with me since the viral impressions video of 2016 and to pursue the projects I’ve been dreaming about.
“As we would say to our lovely callers on air, good luck and thanks,” she added.
Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy said: “Doireann is an exceptional broadcaster and has been a very important part of team at 2FM. Everyone in the station is sorry to hear that she has decided to leave.”
“I am very proud of the breakfast show that Doireann presented with Donncha and Carl which has been loved by the audience and very successful in the JNLRs.
“Personally, I’m sorry to see her leave, but I respect Doireann’s decision. I wish her the very best for the future in everything she does.
“Doireann leaves 2FM in good shape and we look forward to building on the success of the breakfast show over the summer months and beyond.”
The presenter joined the station in 2019, initially hosting the breakfast show alongside Eoghan McDermott.
But in March 2021, RTÉ confirmed that Eoghan had left his 2FM role after 3 weeks of “unplanned leave”.
Following multiple screen tests with different presenters, Doireann was subsequently paired up with Carl Mullan and Donncha O’Callaghan.
The trio became a firm favourite on the airwaves – scooping two awards for Best Radio Show at The Gossies over the past few years.
Aside from 2FM Breakfast and her two popular podcasts, Doireann also co-hosts RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars alongside Jennifer Zamparelli.
However, its currently unknown if she will return to the role.
The Dublin native is also a well-known influencer, with over 326k followers on Instagram.
