Doireann Garrihy returns to RTÉ 2FM in major shake up

Doireann Garrihy is set to return to RTÉ 2FM to helm the drivetime slot, while new presenters join the weekend and breakfast lineup.

Last year, Garrihy announced she was leaving the station after five years, saying she wanted to "pursue the projects I've been dreaming about".

Sharing her excitement about her new show with her Instagram followers Garrihy said: "Radio is where my heart is, and absence has only made the heart grow fonder.

"It is an absolute dream come true to have my very own show. I cannot wait to put my own stamp on it, to rise at a reasonable hour and to be back with you, the listeners."

The drivetime slot has seen several different presenters fill the gap since the two Johnnies suddenly quit last year.

Among the programme and presenter changes revealed by RTÉ 2FM on Thursday, the station announced a new daily and weekend lineup, as well as new additions to the Breakfast Show.

In the mornings, Carl Mullan will now be joined by Roz Purcell, and a new voice for 2FM listeners, Aishling Bonner, who joins the station from Spin FM.

Mid-morning will continue with Laura Fox daily from 9am followed by Tracy Clifford at 12pm.

Other changes to the schedule include four new weekend presenters, including Benny Bracken, Helen Galgey, Mikey O'Reilly and presenting from the Cork studios, Demi Issac.

They have all been selected from an expressions of interest competition that the station ran last autumn.

Speaking about the new schedule, Head of RTÉ 2FM Dan Healy said: "I'm really excited to launch our daytime schedule with new and familiar voices on 2FM as we welcome back Doireann to present our new Drivetime show and look forward to Carl, Roz, and Aisling as our new breakfast hosts.

"Designed for today's audience, the new schedule will have an emphasis on Irish and new music, inclusivity and original entertainment."

The new daytime and weekend schedules will launch in February 2025.