People across Ireland have shared their disappointment, after Sarah McInerney missed out on the role of presenting RTÉ Radio 1’s mid-morning show Today.
After Sean O’Rourke retired from the station back in May , he was temporarily replaced by Sarah – until earlier today RTÉ announced Claire Byrne would be taking on the full-time position.
Although Sarah will remain with RTÉ, with details of her next project being announced in the coming weeks, people have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment that she would no longer be presenting the popular show.
Sarah McInerney not getting the #todayrte job is like Iceland not winning this years eurovision.
— Lynn Boylan 🍷📖🐾 (@LNBDublin) August 19, 2020
I think Claire Byrne is brilliant but it’s just depressing that RTÉ had a fresh voice as talented as Sarah McInerney absolutely lighting it up — and to effectively universal acclaim — and yet still opted to do their usual thing.
— Gavan Casey (@GavanCasey) August 19, 2020
This is a shame really, Sarah McInerney was doing an ace job and deserved to keep it https://t.co/zmQbAaG357
— Kevin Kelly (@kevindublin) August 19, 2020
Nothing against Claire Byrne but I think thought Sarah McInerney was great replacement for O'Rourke. There's not many who question interviewes as robustly which is well needed. https://t.co/0z4QjbOOHP
— Eoin Dineen (@Eoin_Dineen) August 19, 2020
Disappointed- I like Claire but Sarah McInerney was doing a great job there
— ray tomany (@raytomany) August 19, 2020
I've never been a Radio 1 listener but have really enjoyed Sarah McInerney's show over the last few months. I will be sad to see her go https://t.co/dc26aToKre
— Katie Galvin (@Kittic) August 19, 2020
Sarah McInerney has been robbed! She’s the best person for the job. Such a terrible decision by RTÉ #todayrte
— Brendan McLoughlin #WearAMask (@Brendo91) August 19, 2020
Clare Byrne is a great presenter and an already busy one I would have thought. However @SarahMcInerney has more than earned her stripes (and then some) over the last few months. Strange decision.or is it.🤔. Dont be surprised when Sarah is snapped up by a rival.
— OscarStone (@setantaspup) August 19, 2020
Really disappointed that Sarah McInerney didnt get the permanent position @TodayRadioRTE. She is excellent. Compulsory listening. Nothing personal against CB but I'll be switching radio now in the mornings.
— Anna Flynn (@Izzy281071) August 19, 2020
Congratulations Claire Byrne, a very talented broadcaster, but I sincerely hope RTÉ realise what a wonderful talent they also have in Sarah McInerney, she has been just brilliant these past months, such a natural
— Brian Kelly (@BrianKellyArd) August 19, 2020
Sarah McInerney was probably doing too good a job
She’ll walk into another role soon
— Paddy Cosgrave 🏴☠️ (@paddycosgrave) August 19, 2020
Peter Woods, Head of RTÉ Radio 1 said following the announcement: “Claire has vast experience across all RTÉ platforms but began her career with radio presenting the Late Debate and subsequently, Saturday with Claire Byrne.”
“She brings that experience, a natural curiosity, focus and real integrity to the Today programme. I’ve no doubt, with an excellent team in place, Today with Claire Byrne will continue to set the headlines in these, unprecedented times.”
“I’d also like to thank Sarah McInerney for her considerable input, on this station, since last May and am looking forward to continuing working with her.”
In her statement, Claire Byrne said: “I am truly delighted, honoured and humbled to be taking on this new role at RTÉ Radio 1.”
“My job will be to represent the voices of the RTÉ Radio 1 listeners, and to always ask the questions they want answered at this most critical time. I won’t let them down.”
“I can’t wait to get started with the legendary team who work on the show and to help craft with them, the informative, entertaining and important Today show we’ve all come to know, love and rely on in our daily listening lives.”
