Doireann Garrihy has bid an emotional farewell to her devoted listeners and co-hosts as she takes a break from 2FM to head on maternity leave.
The 2FM host and her husband, Mark Mehigan, are expecting their first child together. Doireann has officially been 'out of office' since yesterday (October 2).
Doireann said her emotional goodbye (for now) to her co-hosts Hugh Carr and Taran O'Sullivan, as well as thanking her producers, and praising the listeners for tuning in after her return to the radio station earlier this year.
Doireann told Hugh: "We’ve had a serious laugh, and I’ve learned loads from you.
"So thank you so much to Hugh and Taran, you’ve been absolutely fabulous.
"I want to say thank you to producer Michael, who’s in Marbs [Marbella], we love to see dad enjoying himself. And Michael is a gentleman, an absolutely brilliant producer and a gent. I couldn’t so much as yawn without him being like, 'Do you need a coffee? Do you want a chocolate bar?' He’s been amazing."
She went on to thank the rest of the producers, including producer Grace from her days on the breakfast show, who is now content manager.
Doireann then took a moment to thank all the listeners for their warm welcome after her brief departure from the station last year.
"Most importantly, thank you to the listeners. It’s been amazing to be back on 2FM since February; I know it’s been short, but it’s been so sweet," Doireannn said, welling up.
"And thank you for welcoming me back with open arms on 2FM drive. I’m going to miss it, but I’m off to have the adventure of a lifetime. So thank you so much."
2FM have since confirmed who will be replacing Doireann, confirming that weekend 12 pm-3 pm hosts Demi Isaac and Mikey O’Reilly will be taking over the weekday drivetime slot while Doireann enjoys the last stages of her pregnancy before she welcomes her little one to the world.
"It’s such a buzz to be stepping in for Doireann Garrihy," Demi said.
"We’ve got big shoes to fill while Doireann’s away, but we’re excited to give it our best shot and keep things ticking along until she’s back! Honestly, my bestie Mikey and I have become inseparable. Every time we’re on air together, it feels like we’re just having chats with all of you.
"The last few months have been absolutely wild, from working Electric Picnic to All Together Now, it’s been non-stop fun and madness! I cannot wait for everyone to tune in and share the craic, the laughs, and the chaos Mikey and I bring to your weekdays."
Mike added: "I am beyond excited to be house sitting for Doireann while she is away, and to do it with Demi is the cherry on top.
"Demi and I were paired earlier this year in a professional capacity, but we have become such great friends in the meantime.
"We have had the summer of our lives together, hitting every major festival and big gig. Above everything, I am so excited to see her five days a week now, and I’m sure the nation is excited to hear her laugh more regularly. This is a dream come true for us, talk more on air," per Extra.ie.
