Eoghan McDermott Replacements Announced
RTÉ has announced its replacements for Eoghan McDermott on 2FM's breakfast show. Donncha O’Callaghan and Carl Mullan will join Doireann Garrihy on what RTÉ describes as a "new breakfast show". The "new" show replaces "2FM Breakfast with Doireann and Eoghan" and will be called "2FM Breakfast with Doireann, Donncha and Carl". The change came about when Eoghan McDermott took a leave of absence in February 2021, it was later announced by RTÉ that Eoghan McDermott would not return to the station, RTÉ gave no explanation as the the reasons for Eoghan McDermott's departure. The "new" show will start broadcasting on May 31, 2021. It will be 2fm's 4th breakfast show in 10 years.
The announcement of three presenters for the breakfast show comes as RTÉ are beginning a process of redundancies at the broadcaster, which has been hit be financial woes for the last decade.
RTÉ have yet to announce a replacement for Donncha O'Callaghan on 2FM's sports news programme, Game On. That show is currently co-hosted by Marie Crowe and Ruby Walsh. Whether or not RTÉ can afford a third presenter for their sports chat programme on their main music station is unknown.
Carl Mullen's replacement on Weekend Breakfast has also yet to be announced.
This comes as Eoghan McDermott left the station in Feburary, with an announcement on his departure from RTÉ stating "RTÉ confirms that Eoghan McDermott will not be returning to RTÉ 2FM. His contract is due to expire shortly. RTÉ is developing a new direction for the 2FM Breakfast Show which will be revealed in the coming weeks.”
On the new show Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy said: “This is a very exciting new breakfast show for RTÉ 2FM with two new voices for breakfast radio joining Doireann. From Monday, May 31st, there will be an injection of great fun from Doireann, Donncha and Carl along with great music which will have Ireland in top form every day. A very well done to Tara Stewart and Stephan Byrne who kept us all entertained while Doireann and the team were at the ideas factory!”
Doireann Garrihy said: “I can’t wait to get on air with Donnacha and Carl. It’s a brand-new show with a brand-new sound and feel. We’ve had endless craic while plotting over the past few weeks and I just know that our listeners will love it.”
Carl Mullan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of the brand new 2FM breakfast show with my pals Doireann and Donncha. I joined the station back in 2013, fresh out of college and since then this has always been the dream gig. We’re so excited to bring loads of laughs and all-around good vibes to start everyone’s day.”
Donnacha O’Callaghan said: “I’m delighted to be part of 2FM Breakfast. It’s going to be incredible craic teaming up with Doireann & Carl and the fantastic breakfast team. I am a positive early bird by nature and can’t wait to help create some real feel-good radio. Massively grateful to all the team for the opportunity.”
Eoghan McDermott will be replace by Carl and Donncha on Monday the 31st of May, 2021.