Broadcaster Tracy Clifford has signed off from RTÉ 2FM after a decade, saying she hopes "this little radio show gave you something".
In a heartfelt farewell, she reflected on her remarkable journey and experience on the show, thanking her team and listeners for their kindness and support over the years.
She recalled the advice that she had received from the late Larry Gogan, "the radio king who I had the privilege of sharing the mic with once or twice".
Clifford continued: "His advice to me all those years ago was that my job at 2FM was to play the hits, be slick and be consistent. He told me that I was going to get to do the best job in the world, so show up no matter what - hail, rain or snow."
Becoming emotional on air, she said she was overwhelmed with the "love from you listeners".
"I honestly don't know what to do with it all. After ten years of us getting to know each other, my dear listener, you've been so kind to me," she said.
"The joy over the past couple of weeks, the messages from you here and abroad, the flowers, the gifts, the 'Cliffbanger' jumpers, the merch, the mugs, the thoughtfulness has reduced me to a blubbering mess."
She added: "This show is all down to you guys tuning in for over a decade, and us connecting through the tunes, with the chats and the popstars and the incredible Irish artists and beyond. It's been busy mums and dads collecting their kids from school, bonding together, playing Panic."
Opening up about her departure, Clifford said she is "not really sad".
"I just think it's proof of the incredible power and connection that radio has, especially music radio. That's what's making me really emotional today.
"In a world where there is a lot of noise, I really hope this little radio show gave you something. The notion that the opening bars of a song can scream the weekend has landed and get you revved up is just beautiful."
In her closing words, Clifford once again thanked her loyal listeners and invited them to follow her on whatever comes next.
She concluded: "Thank you so much for being a part of this deadly gang. Thank you for listening. I hope you join my next gang somewhere."
A special goodbye
Fellow presenter Laura Fox, who is set to move to 2FM Drive alongside Katja Mia, praised Clifford as "an incredible broadcaster" and an "amazing person".
Shortly afterwards, Clifford's 2FM colleague Emma Power congratulated her on an "incredible decade" with the station, adding: "I hope you know how much joy, craic and laughter you've brought to the airwaves and to the 2FM office over the last ten years."
The show's producer, Anita Ward, also paid tribute, saying: "It's been amazing to work with my best friend for the last seven years, and I can't wait to see what you do next."
As Clifford's teammates gathered in the studio to wish her well with rapturous applause, showbiz reporter Lottie Ryan said: "Everybody listening knows Tracy Clifford as a DJ and how unbelievably phenomenal and incredible she is at what she does. But as a colleague, it's a whole other level. You are one in a million, and we absolutely adore you!"
Earlier in the month, Clifford took to social media to explain how she had felt "a little nudge for a while now to try new things".
Clifford described her time as part of listeners' afternoons as "such a privilege" and something she would "always be so proud of".
She also made clear she is not leaving RTÉ altogether, telling followers: "I'm staying within the RTÉ radio family", before adding that she is also "dipping a toe into telly".
Clifford's Instagram was flooded with well-wishes ahead of her departure, with one follower calling her "the soul of Irish media", while another said: "Fridays from 12–1pm will never be the same for the tunes."
