Sarah McInerney is reportedly set to become a permanent presenter on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland.
The much-loved broadcaster was notably missing after RTE unveiled their brand new schedule on Friday. The public broadcaster announced their new presenters and RTE Radio 1 shows after several of their on-air talents departed the station, including Claire Byrne, Joe Duffy and Ray D'Arcy.
The Prime Time star has been co-presenting Drivetime, alongside Cormac Ó hEadhra since September 2020, however, RTE confirmed that new journalists will be stepping into their roles.
In a statement confirming their new radio schedule, RTE said: "Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin will present Drivetime from the earlier time of 4pm. During the evening commute, Katie and Colm will deliver comprehensive coverage of national and international news, politics, and culture. The programme will continue to feature in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and contributions from its seasoned reporters."
However, the Irish Independent reports that McInerney is expected to be named as a permanent presenter of Radio 1's Morning Ireland in a second set of personnel announcements by RTÉ in the coming weeks.
RTÉ is to appoint two permanent presenters to the flagship Morning Ireland, succeeding Mary Wilson and Aine Lawlor.
It is thought likely that McInerney will get one of these posts, but that Ó hEadhra will be given a role elsewhere.
RTÉ is set to simultaneously announce a successor to David McCullagh as presenter of the Six One News, and filling the vacancy he is leaving on the Behind The Story podcast series as he moves to the Today programme.
In comments made yesterday, RTÉ's Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, did confirm that both McInerney and Ó hEadhra will remain at RTE and Radio 1.
She said: "I'm also pleased to confirm that Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra will continue to be a regular presence on RTÉ and Radio 1. We look forward to sharing news of their new roles in the coming weeks."
RTE Radio 1 is undergoing several major changes, with new presenters, new programmes, and revised time-slots announced on Friday - included the appointment of Newtalk's Kieran Cuddihy as the new presenter of Liveline.
"As Liveline celebrates 40 years on air, Kieran Cuddihy will take the helm each day from 1.45 pm, getting to the heart of the discussions that truly matter to the people of Ireland," the national broadcaster said. "Liveline has become a significant part of Irish life and Kieran will now take the driving seat and continue the evolution of this iconic Irish institution."