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NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST BRENDAN O’Connor will present the weekend slot on RTÉ Radio left vacant by the death of broadcaster Marian Finucane on a full-time basis.
The broadcaster announced this morning that O’Connor will present a two-hour programme on Radio 1 from 11am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays from mid-March.
The show will feature mix of interviews, reflection and discussion on the issues making the news, including politics, travel, entertainment and current affairs.
The move will see O’Connor step down from his editorial role at the Sunday Independent, although he will continue to write for the newspaper as a columnist.
The Cork native regularly presented Finucane’s show in her absence, particularly during the summer months, and filled-in for the late broadcaster for a number of weeks after her sudden death in January.
Speaking about his new role, O’Connor paid tribute to Finucane and said the slot would allow listeners to pause and reflect upon the week.
“Marian’s legacy will inspire us to continue to explore, challenge and debate the issues that truly matter to Irish people,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to developing an informative, sparky, original and unpredictable show. I want this to be robust and enjoyable radio, always questioning and always seeking insight.”
O’Connor has previously appeared on and presented several shows for RTÉ, including Don’t Feed The Gondolas, You’re A Star and the IFTA-winning Cutting Edge.
He will continue to work with RTÉ television, with further details of this expected to be announced at a further date.
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One of rte’s better presenters
He’s not the worst, in fairness
@jamesdecay:
Don’t pretend you don’t love ‘Jesus in da house’ ;)
@Felix: you’re right. Killer line in fairness
@Felix: Sometimes that song just rolls back into the front of my mind.
“Big shout out to my homies in Maynooth!”
@jamesdecay: is brenda. The token man on rte
Near all women tv/radio station.. Seems that on rte we are a dieing breed.. Near extinct.. Or where ever there is a man there must always be a corresponding woman… Be careful brendan!!
Brendan O connor is a good choice , happy for him.
@Aine O Connor:
I like him too. He was annoying when he was younger (probably like lots of us) but he has matured well.
@Aine O Connor: Everything he was ever on declined, a fool of a thing.
Not before time till some plonker give his slot to Ray Darcy , Well Done Brendan
RTE never look further than their canteen for new positions (or LLS guests)
Congratulations to Brendan.
Why can’t we import someone to host this progam rather than appoint yet another politically correct RTE hack.
@Mary’s Abbey: you should have applied for the job yourself, Gemma.
@Connoroconner: I would strongly recommend Ella Whelan from Spiked Magazine.
@Mary’s Abbey: Ella Whelan would be the breath of fresh air we so badly need. https://www.marathi.tv/anchor/ella-whelan/
@Mary’s Abbey: agreed, someone not so beige, god he’s dull
@Mary’s Abbey: agreed, someone not so beige, god he’s dull
@Mary’s Abbey: Brendan is definitely not of the politically correct Gene pool . Delighted he got the slot as very entertaining
Surely there is some new and up and coming talent that could have taken on the job, more of the same,what ever will they do when current staff sail in to the sunset, there will be no one to come on board.
Fantastic decision. Well done Brendan!
Delighted. He’s a nice guy and a good presenter.
In fairness, a ballsy move by RTE.
@Furze: not really. He’s covered for her many times and his shows have been good. No brainer
Close down the tribunals Bertie did nothing wrong article by Brendan back in the day
Part of the politically corrupt FFG INDEPENDENT news paper Rte tax payer funded cabal well suited
Not before time till some plonker gives his slot to Ray Darcy , Well Done Brendan
He’s certainly not a natural broadcaster but he is likeable and a good interviewer.
Good luck to him. (Tommy Tiernan would have been my choice).
@ted hagan: No, Tommy would be a disaster on such a programme.
@Breda Kelly: Yes – putting Tommy Tiernan would only stifle the brilliance of the man. It would be like the scene at the end of One flew over the cuckoos nest where we would have to kill him off with a pillow to preserve the character. Roundabout way of saying I think TT is great!
what? ….
…Not a female (or identified as female) replacing a male/female radio/tv presenter in 2020????.
some thing needs to be done!!! lol..
He has some strange political views,
Bye, bye to that programme after that appointment. This fellow would put down a government on his own. Plays mind games with himself.
The first time Brendan came to my attention was after the first Nice referendum, he wrote an article claiming that Irish people love saying no to things was the reason for its rejection. A truly childish response considering we had voted yes to all the previous European referendums. I knew then that he would go far. Marian was neutral when she presented liveline and her weekend slot. Now rte have put in two right wing men to replace her, who prevent discussions which are getting too close to the truth. Tubs part 2
Best of Luck Brendan keep a light on Disability issues.
Well done Brendan. Great presenter
Well there is continuity in this appointment.. keep the status quo alive. Like Joe Duffy Brendan will give his guests a free interview only if it suits the agenda. Ray Darcy probably would have been the choice, but the powers that be couldn’t trust him to F..K up an soft interview.
Listenership will drop for sure here, He is just awful, a real Clown.
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