98FM has revealed the replacement hosts taking over its mid-morning show following the unexpected departure of Brian Dowling and Suzanne Kane.
The station’s popular 10am to 1pm slot returned this week with a brand-new presenting duo, who will be fronting the show throughout the summer.
Taking the reins are Paul Ryder and Leanne Hanafin. Paul, a familiar face from Ireland’s Got Talent and Ireland AM, also hosts a weekend show on 98FM.
Leanne, a long-time member of the team, had already been filling in on the programme for several months.
Speaking on air on Monday morning, Leanne said: ‘We are so excited to be here with you.’
Paul added: ‘We’re here for the whole summer. We’re going to have three months of absolute fun. We want you to be involved.
It’s as much your show as it is ours, so we can’t wait to get cracking.’
SHOCK EXIT
Their appointment comes after Brian Dowling signed off from the show last Friday, wrapping up just over two years on air.
Suzanne Kane, who joined 98FM in 2021, had been absent from the show since February and confirmed her departure last week.
In a heartfelt farewell, Brian said: ‘I’ve appreciated every day I’ve been sat in front of this mic…
‘Never be afraid to take a risk. Never be afraid to say yes. I said yes to something I couldn’t do, but I was going to learn how to do it.’
Suzanne also shared an emotional message on Instagram, thanking listeners and colleagues for their support during her five years at the station: ‘To everyone who listened to the show, I loved sharing my life and my kids with the soundest listeners on 98FM.
‘Thank you for always turning up for me.’
While the long-term future of the show has not yet been confirmed, listeners can expect a lively and engaging few months with the new summer team.
