Head of RTÉ 2fm, Dan Healy has welcomed Ray D’arcy’s return to the national broadcaster saying it has boosted morale within the radio department there.
Following D’arcy’s shock announcement that he’d be departing his mid-morning slot on Today FM to take over Derek Mooney’s afternoon Radio 1 show, Healy has told the Herald newspaper: “Someone like Ray committing to RTE radio is brilliant – morale in there is very high. I’m only there a year-and-a-half and the energy in there was positive before this but this really is immense.”
The 2fm boss also believes Ray will bring a younger audience to his new afternoon slot and admitted his move removes Ryan Tubridy’s lead competitor: “I think Ray can grow and bring 25 to 44-year-olds into Radio 1 and it’s a nice opportunity for us on 2fm at 9am as well.”
Meanwhile, Louise McSharry, out on leave undergoing treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, is due to return to RTÉ 2fm next year, and Healy says he’s looking forward to her return.
He told the newspaper: “We’re really looking forward to having her back; We’re thinking she’ll be back on May 1st, but it could be sooner if she’s able.”
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