Claire Byrne is exiting RTÉ later this year.RTÉ
Claire Byrne, who has been presenting RTÉ Radio 1's flagship "Today" programme for five years, is set to leave RTÉ later this year to rejoin Newstalk.
Byrne is set to present on Newstalk on weekdays from 9a to 12 pm from early 2026 after she exits RTÉ later this year.
It is part of a scheduling shake-up at Newstalk, which sees "The Pat Kenny Show" move to the weekends.
Byrne said: “This new chapter marks a really significant milestone for me in my career and I’m thrilled to be doing it with the vibrant team and listeners at Newstalk as they continue to thrive and cement their position in the Irish media landscape.
“It’s a particular honour for me to take up the reins from Pat Kenny, a broadcaster whose career, skill and passion for the job is an inspiration to all of us.”
Patricia Monahan, RTÉ's Director of Audio, said on Friday: "Claire has made the 'Today' seat her own, and her contribution to public service broadcasting across her years in RTÉ has been outstanding.
"We wish her the very best, and thank her for her dedication to the audiences in Ireland and around the world over many years."
Who is replacing Claire Byrne on RTÉ?
Byrne is set to be replaced on RTÉ Radio's "Today" programme by RTÉ journalist and broadcaster David McCullagh, who currently presents RTÉ's Six One News and "Behind the Story" podcast.
"Today with David McCullagh" launches on Monday, November 3, on RTÉ Radio 1, streaming on the RTÉ Radio App, and available for catch-up via podcast.
McCullagh will continue to present RTÉ's Six One News until the end of October.
David McCullagh.
RTÉ said on Friday that with McCullagh in presenting duties, the "Today" programme "will continue to provide a sharp, accessible take on the day’s top stories, combining diligent journalism with expert analysis.
"The show will feature in-depth interviews with all the key players in the headlines of the day, from political leaders to sporting heroes to cultural icons.
"It will also continue to deliver informed and trusted reporting of the biggest news developments as they happen. Stories that impact listeners in their everyday lives will be central to the show, as will a variety of features covering health, lifestyle, nature, food, music, and much more."
McCullagh said on Friday: "I’m delighted to be joining the Today programme and am excited about the challenge ahead.
" I’m really looking forward to working with the team to build on the programme’s strong record of providing first-class coverage and analysis of the stories that are important to our audience."
Who is David McCullagh?
Dubliner David McCullagh graduated with a PhD in Politics from University College Dublin (UCD).
An award-winning journalist, he worked at the Evening Press from 1989 until he joined RTÉ in 1993 as a reporter for RTÉ News on television and on radio. He won a National Media Award in 1999 for his television documentary, "Declaring the Republic."
He went on to be RTÉ News Political Correspondent for 12 years before joining "Prime Time" in 2013. In 2018, he rejoined the "This Week" team on RTÉ Radio 1 as a presenter on Ireland's longest-running current affairs programme.
He is currently the co-anchor of the RTÉ Six One News and a presenter of the popular "Behind the Story" podcast. He will also continue to present general, European, and presidential election coverage for RTÉ.
McCullagh also researched and presented programmes, including "Behind Closed Doors," focused on the release of State Papers under the 30-year rule, and "Declaring the Republic" and "Election '18," which recreated the results of the 1918 general election. He is presenting "Dev: Rise and Rule" beginning on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next Wednesday.
He has authored six books: "A Makeshift Majority: the first Inter-party Government "(1998); "The Reluctant Taoiseach: A biography of John A. Costello" (2010); and a two-volume biography of Éamon de Valera, "Rise" (2017) and "Rule" (2018), "The Great Irish Politics Book" (2021) and "From Crown to Harp: How the Treaty was Undone."
Speaking about McCullagh's new presenting role, RTÉ’s Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, said: "David's unparalleled grasp of the political scene at home and abroad, as well as his incisive skills as an interviewer, make him the perfect choice for the 'Today' programme.
"And as we know from his work on 'Behind the Ballot' and 'Behind the Story,' he has a sharp wit too, and is sure to entertain as well as inform listeners as the Today programme continues to tackle the serious stories as well as offering listeners much-needed changes of pace from the lighter sides of life."