East Coast FM’s Rob Gormley is to take a break from early mornings by swapping places with the station’s current drive-time presenter Ryan O’Neill for the summer time.
His breakfast co-presenter Laura Wood is taking maternity leave, meaning she’ll be off the air for 6 months from April, so Gormley is taking the opportunity to take a break from the 6-10am show he’s been presenting since 2007, when he took over from Bob Conway.
In June, July & August, Rob will take over presenting duties on East Coast Drive (4-7pm), while Ryan O’ Neill 0 the current drive-time presenter – will move to the breakfast slot, for the “Freshly Squeezed Summer Edition”. The pair will switch back in September with Laura Wood returning in October.
This afternoon, Rob told RadioToday: “Nearly 8 years of getting up at 5am have been throughly enjoyable as I love my job but I’ve got to be honest it’s not easy. My Daughter Layla was born in 2013 so the past couple of years and those sleepless nights have taken their toll. When Laura told me she was pregnant and would be taking leave in April I saw an opportunity to take a break for the summer and I’m delighted that East Coast FM have been able to accommodate me and I thank them so much for that!”
He added: “It’s a chance to recharge the batteries, spend some quality time with my Wife and Daughter and get back on Freshly Squeezed in September fresh as a daisy! I’m looking forward to driving Wicklow home for the summer and I know Ryan will do a great job waking up Wicklow in the morning”