Mairead Ronan makes surprise return to the airwaves as Pamela Joyce leaves Today FM

Pamela Joyce took over Mairead Ronan's Today FM slot in early 2022

Mairead Ronan. Picture: Moya Nolan

Radio presenter Mairead Ronan made a return to the airwaves this week after stepping down from her Today FM show in 2021.

The mother of three began presenting her own lunchtime music programme on Today FM in 2019 but had worked at the station for 19 years in total. In 2021, she announced her decision to step down, in order to spend more time with her family.

However, the familiar voice of the 43-year-old cannot be heard on Today FM, but rather its sister station, Newstalk.

Ronan is filling in for Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live this week, with a range of topics up for discussion each day.

She shared the news in a post to social media.

Following her decision to leave Today FM, earlier this year, the presenter told the Irish Examiner that she was also saying goodbye to Ireland’s Fittest Family after 10 seasons. She currently has a weekly podcast with friend and former colleague, Jenny Kelly—  aptly named Jenny and Mairead Now.

“I turned 40 in covid and I always thought I’d have another baby after Bonnie, but that just hasn’t happened. Then the pandemic came and that madness of I have to go to this gig, that event, it all just went away and I realised I loved being at home," she said at the time.

Ronan’s return to the airwaves comes after her successor Pamela Joyce presented her final show on Today FM. The Galway native took over the lunchtime slot from Ronan in January 2022 but her replacement is yet to be announced.

“We want to wish the one and only Pamela Joyce the very best of luck as she finishes up her lunchtime show on Today FM," the station said in a post on Tuesday.