Dragon to Breathe Fire into Newstalk

A story in the Sunday Tribune yesterday revealed that Newstalk reporter Chris O’Donoghue is to take over from Claire Byrne on the Breakfast show when she leaves at the end of the month.

At just 26 years of age, it’s a big move for O’Donoghue. That said he’s very confident and personable on air so he should settle in well in the new role. It’ll certainly be interesting to see the dynamic between him and co-presenter Ivan Yates.

In another big move, Newstalk are reported to be finalising negotiations with Gavin Duffy of Dragons Den to fill the void left by Eamon Keane on the Lunchtime show. Duffy has a background in radio, setting up the country’s first licensed provincial local radio station, LMFM, in 1989. He also presented Ireland’s first television business programme, “Marketplace” on RTE.

Official announcements on the new appointments are expected before the end of the month.