Virgin Media Television has today confirmed that Mark Cagney is to leave Ireland AM after almost 20 years hosting the station's popular breakfast show.
The presenter has been central to the success of Ireland AM since its inception in 1999.
"It has been one of the great privileges of my life, professionally and personally, to be part of this thing we call Ireland AM," Cagney said in a statement.
"I will be stepping down as anchor and moving on from the 31st of July 2019. To everyone who ever worked on, contributed to, and especially watched AM over the years, my heartfelt thanks."
"Over the twenty years, Ireland AM has become part of the Irish broadcasting landscape, an institution even, which has stitched itself into Irish daily life," he added.
Mark Cagney joined RTÉ in 1977, and was part of the original 2FM line-up, broadcasting on its first night on air. He presented a variety of shows, from the seminal Night Train to the Drivetime show.
In 1989 he joined the new 98 FM, staying there for seven years. He joined Today FM in 1998 and then joined TV3 Ireland (now Virgin Media Television).
