New RTÉ Radio 1 presenter Louise Duffy, who is due to take over Ronan Collins' much-loved afternoon slot from January, has said she feels a weight of responsibility hosting a show which has become a bit of a national institution.
The 38-year-old from Crossmolina in Co Mayo has been announced as the new presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s weekday 12pm to 1pm slot from 9 January following Ronan’s on-air announcement on Friday that he would be stepping down.
Appearing on The Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday, she was asked if she would be shaking up the slot.
"I don’t think so and I feel the weight of that responsibility very much. It is an institution, and it is a very important part the schedule on Radio 1.
"But also, it’s a very important part of Irish music and a place of discovery for listeners and somewhere they can enjoy a cross section of genres and eras and that is something that Ronan has been doing so incredibly well.
"We’re not going to change a great deal but with every new show and presenter, there’s a new sound because I think it’s very important."
She also paid tribute to Ronan, who will return to Radio 1 next year with a series of Bank Holiday specials entitled The Collins’ Collection.
""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," she said.
"I’m so excited and really grateful for the opportunity and they are very big shoes to fill and I’m looking forward to kicking off 2023 with something I love to do so much. It hasn’t felt real though since the last couple of days since it started moving."
Louise, who is married to Gaelic footballer Paul Galvin, has recently been heard on RTÉ Radio 1, filling in on Late Date, Rising Time, and Ronan's show.
She has also appeared on television audiences as the presenter of RTÉ’s The Ballycotton Sessions, the second series of which will air in Spring 2023.
Louise spent eight years presenting and producing her own shows on Today FM, including the IMRO award-winning Lost In Music and reported from music festivals including Electric Picnic and Longitude.
Speaking about her taste in music, she said, "That changes all the time and it’s important as a music broadcaster to be open to everything. My tendency would be perhaps towards indie and folk, but I also love country and Irish trad. My job now is such a joy to spend my day picking out all of the genres and putting together a nice hour of music."
Peter Woods, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, said: "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."
Louise will begin broadcasting from noon to 1pm on RTÉ Radio 1 on Monday 9 January.
Alan Corr @CorrAlan2
