Gareth O'Callaghan: Fifteen years on, Irish radio is still trying to replace Gerry Ryan — and failing

Fifteen years after his death, Gerry Ryan’s raw honesty, empathy, and irreverence still define what great Irish radio should sound like

Radio and Television Presenter Gerry Ryan in Eason’s for the signing of his autobiography. Picture: Photocall Ireland

As rewarding as it can be, a career in radio is not only fraught with risks and self-doubts, it can be cruel. 

The higher you climb, the more solitary the ascent becomes; and in the event your ratings drop like flies, the harder the fall is likely to be. As Ray D'Arcy was reminded recently, everyone is expendable.