Earlier today, RTÉ launched their new season with 18 hours of new Irish-produced drama, the return of Fair City, a bumper sporting calendar, new investigative programming, as well as exciting new documentaries, arts and children's programming.
Big changes were announced on RTÉ Radio 1 as Claire Byrne takes the helm at the mid-morning radio slot; Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra take the wheel at Drivetime; Áine Lawlor and Mary Wilson join Ireland's number one radio show, Morning Ireland, and Bryan Dobson moves to lunchtime radio news with RTÉ News at One with Bryan Dobson.
Yesterday afternoon, at RTÉ's virtual Autumn launch, Dobson spoke about his new position, his family's summer staycation, and the bookcase that went viral.
Since 1987, Dobson has worked across a variety of roles in RTÉ, from reporting on the current affairs radio programme, This Week, to becoming an anchor of Six One. Now, it seems he will adapt once again to an unexpected role on lunchtime radio.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Dobson said over Zoom. "It kind of came out of the blue but very welcome none the less. It's a great show to have a chance to present."
"Am I looking forward to getting my nights and my mornings back? Well, when you get to my age, getting to bed at 10 o'clock isn't that big a task, we naturally slip away early from whatever is happening," he laughed.
"Getting up at four can be a bit of a challenge but once you're up and out and at it, it feels like any other day so I don't think that will make a whole lot of difference."
This morning's @morningireland home studio mug - a gift from one of my daughters! Both me and Mr Dobbo definitely need a hair cut. pic.twitter.com/npaZmWWzNN
— Bryan Dobson (@BryanMIreland) April 10, 2020
Affectionately known as Dobbo, the newsman became an unlikely social media star during lockdown thanks to his Morning Ireland broadcasts from home which revealed a colourful collection of mugs, and a much-coveted bookcase.
"It was built, actually just in the last year or two, by a company called Oakline in Ranelagh in Dublin. For years, I had things that just sort of sagged, shelves and stuff, so I finally decided to treat ourselves to something a bit more suitable."
Despite his fashionable surroundings, however, Dobson insists he prefers working in studio.
"I'm one for working in the office or in the workplace," he confirmed. "I don't think I'd really adapt long-term to home working. I like that separation between the home and the workplace."
The Morning Ireland series editor claims I buy the books by the yard! James Joyce is top left. The Picador's are Eric Newby. Shelves built by Oakline, Ranelagh. Couldn’t imagine presenting MI in my dressing gown. Stay safe all. B pic.twitter.com/kpPPvfnUGR
— Bryan Dobson (@BryanMIreland) March 24, 2020
In saying that, the few weeks working from home did give the broadcaster a chance to enjoy more time at his home in Portobello with his wife, Crea. As well as enjoying the nice weather in their back garden, the two managed to squeeze in a summer staycation.
"My daughters are grown up now, they don't live at home, so they have their own arrangements. So we [he and Crea] had about 12 days in Co. Leitrim, which was lovely and quiet and very restful and very peaceful. Then a little bit of time in the west of Ireland as well, in Connemara. So that's been the holiday this year."
"I haven't missed travelling," he noted. "But I suppose I've done a lot over the years. What I've missed over lockdown is my friends and seeing people more regularly and having that sort of social contact. I find that now, when I do meet up with friends, you're doing a huge amount of catching up."
