RTÉ exodus: Donncha O'Callaghan to leave 2FM after five years
Donncha O'Callaghan said he was 'blessed yet again to do something I've loved for the last five years'. Picture: David Creedon
Radio presenter and former Irish rugby player Donncha O'Callaghan has announced his departure from RTÉ's 2FM after five years.
The Cork native will present his last on July 5, alongside co-host Carl Mullan and Aifric O'Connell.
He follows in the footsteps of previous co-host Doireann Garrihy, who left the station in May.
O'Callaghan said he is "so incredibly grateful and proud" of the past five years in the station, adding: "I’ve absolutely loved it".
He paid tribute to his colleagues, saying: "Carl and Doireann, ye know exactly what ye mean to me and only one word does it justice — TIME".
"We all have a reason for bouncing out of bed and taking on the day. I’ve been blessed yet again to do something I’ve loved for the last five years. Of course it requires sacrifice and commitment, in my case that load has been carried by Jenny. Thank you for always backing me," he said.
He said he plans to focus on being a coach on and "to continue working on all my exciting rugby projects".
He also paid tribute to his former co-hosts saying: "Aifric, I know we didn’t get a lot of airmiles together but I enjoyed every minute.
"Carl and Doireann, ye know exactly what ye mean to me."
O'Callaghan joins a growing list of presenters who have left 2FM, including Garrihy.
The 2 Johnnies and Jennifer Zamparelli have also left shows at the station.
The station announced a summer schedule last month, with Aifric O'Connell replacing Garrihy on the breakfast show. Meanwhile, Lottie Ryan and David O'Reilly filled the slot left by The 2 Johnnies.
Recent reports have suggested that Ryan, daughter of 2FM legend Gerry, will depart the station after just a month in the job.
It was previously announced that Laura Fox was replacing Jennifer Zamparelli's 9am-12pm slot.
