Mayo broadcaster lands top national radio show

Mayo broadcaster Louise Duffy will present a new music show on RTÉ Radio 1 from January in the slot formerly held by The Ronan Collins Show.

The announcement by RTÉ comes shortly after Collins revealed that he was stepping down from the show after 43 years.

The Crossmolina native, who previously worked at Today FM, has recently been heard on RTÉ Radio 1 filling in on Late Date, Rising Time, and The Ronan Collins Show.

She will also be familiar to television audiences and recently presented an eight-part music series on RTÉ, entitled The Ballycotton Sessions.

She said: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to host the biggest music radio show in Ireland, and follow in the footsteps of a great broadcaster like Ronan Collins.

"I look forward to connecting with music lovers all over the country, discovering new talent, and complementing the line-up of great broadcasters at RTÉ Radio 1.”

Peter Woods, head of RTÉ Radio 1, added: “Louise Duffy knows her music.

"We’re delighted to have her on this station. Louise is the first woman to present the lunchtime music programme on RTÉ Radio 1 – the number one music programme in the country.

"She will bring to it integrity, both as a presenter and with her musical choices.”