Morning Ireland presenter Mary Wilson becomes latest big name to leave RTÉ | Irish Independent
Flor Lynch
Morning Ireland presenter Mary Wilson becomes latest big name to leave RTÉ
Morale extremely low at Radio 1 after slew of exits, say sourcesWilson announcement follows departures of Claire Byrne and Joe DuffyDecision to be made on the next ‘Liveline’ presenter in the next two weeks
David McCullagh is taking on new show
Mary Wilson has decided to leave RTÉ
Claire Byrne has joined Newstalk. Photo: Fergal Phillips
David McCullagh is taking on new show
Mary Wilson has decided to leave RTÉ
Broadcasting stalwart Mary Wilson is retiring this month, in what will be another blow to RTÉ.
The Morning Ireland host, who turns 65 later this year, will present her last show on September 24. It is understood Wilson had the option to remain in her role for another two years under new employment rules, but made the decision to step down.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent yesterday, Wilson said it had been “a real privilege” to work on the news and current affairs show and that it is entirely her own decision to walk away.
“I have enjoyed every minute of every hour that I have worked in RTÉ. It has been challenging and it has been fun and it has been wonderful to connect with so many listeners and viewers when I worked on TV,” she said. “I will miss it but there comes a time to make way and there is enormous talent within the organisation and they deserve the opportunity that I have enjoyed.
“There comes a time when you have to focus the mind and reaching 65 focused my mind and I decided the time has come to hang up my broadcasting hat.”
Wilson’s fellow broadcaster Áine Lawlor also turns 65 this year, but it is understood she will stay on in RTÉ for the foreseeable future.
Wilson’s exit follows a string of big-name losses at RTÉ Radio 1.
I have never seen morale at such a low
Joe Duffy departed his Liveline programme in May, leaving a hole in the schedule for the slot and Claire Byrne recently announced she is leaving RTÉ to join rival broadcaster Newstalk in the new year.
In 2023, its once highest-paid earner Ryan Tubridy left the station and there are no plans for him to return.
Today's News in 90 seconds - 7th September 2025
Several sources who spoke to the Sunday Independent this weekend say there is a lot of discontent behind the scenes at the radio station.
One source said: “I have never seen morale at such a low.”
The source added that there were raised eyebrows over how the appointment of Byrne’s successor was handled.
Claire Byrne has joined Newstalk. Photo: Fergal Phillips
“Everyone is asking why they had an open process for Joe Duffy’s replacement and yet it seems David McCullagh was handed this job. It’s double standards.”
Several sources also questioned the appointment of McCullagh (57) in the role and asked if he would be able to handle the lighter sections on the show.
“It goes against everything Patricia [Monahan, director of audio at RTÉ] has said since coming to the station. She has constantly been saying she wants to skew more towards a younger audience, to make the station more fun,” the source said.
“David is in his 50s, his background is in hard news and history. If you heard him being interviewed by Oliver Callan after the announcement, there was very little light and bright.”
The comments come as former RTÉ Radio 1 boss Peter Woods also appeared to criticise his successor Ms Monahan’s appointment of McCullagh in Byrne’s timeslot.
In response to a social media user on X posting the story of McCullagh’s appointment, Mr Woods said: “This [Claire Byrne’s departure] is a more significant loss for RTÉ Radio 1 than Pat Kenny was.” He added that “the choice of replacement is out of the playbook at that time” and added: “I believe it is not a good call.” He finished by saying that “CB [Claire Byrne] had that slot nailed”.
David McCullagh is taking on new show
His comments were met with a post from journalist Flor MacCarthy, formerly of RTÉ, who said McCullagh’s appointment was an “excellent choice”.
Meanwhile, when contacted by the Sunday Independent on Friday, former RTÉ broadcaster Sean O’Rourke — who saved Radio 1’s mid-morning slot after Kenny’s shock departure — said RTÉ will survive Byrne’s move and he defended Ms Monahan’s decision to appoint McCullagh.
Academically, David is in the John Bowman class
“I think it is a ballsy move. People wouldn’t have seen it coming and I think David has been limited by what he has been doing in TV news,” he said.
“David is funny and he has a great sense of humour and he is very likeable, and anyone who doesn’t think he can do the lighter stuff only needs to spend five minutes in a room with him.
“Also, academically, David is in the John Bowman class. I think he has a fantastic range.”
On Byrne’s departure, O’Rourke said that she is “a good catch” for Newstalk.
“It’s not a disaster for RTÉ. If we have learnt anything from the past, it’s that RTÉ always survives.”
A decision on a new host for Liveline is expected to be made in the next two weeks. The Sunday Independent understands Ms Monahan has whittled the 500 applicants down to a handful of names.