Veteran RTÉ star's exit sparks frenzy over possible replacements with frontrunner revealed

RTÉ is bracing for another major shake-up as veteran broadcaster Mary Wilson prepares to step away from Morning Ireland.

Wilson, who turns 65 this month, will present her final programme on September 24, marking the end of a long and distinguished career.

She has been a fixture on RTÉ for more than three decades, serving as Legal Affairs Editor, fronting Drivetime for 14 years, and since 2020 anchoring Ireland's most-listened-to radio programme.

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Her decision to retire follows a string of high-profile exits from Montrose, including Joe Duffy from Liveline earlier this year and Claire Byrne's recent move to Newstalk.

The question now is who will take on the coveted early-morning role. Bookmakers have already weighed in, releasing odds on the likely contenders.

The market suggests that RTÉ may look internally, with one current Drivetime and Prime Time presenter leading the pack at even odds. Two familiar names, a long-established TV anchor and a respected Irish-language broadcaster, are both priced at 2/1.

Another experienced News at One voice comes in at 4/1, while a high-profile presenter from Newstalk has been floated as the 5/1 outsider.

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Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: "There is no doubt of Sarah McInerney's credentials for this position. If the odds are to be believed the Drivetime host will be setting the alarm a lot earlier in the day to replace Mary Wilson."

That makes McInerney the favourite, with Miriam O'Callaghan and Cormac Ó hEadhra hot on her heels. Philip Boucher Hayes is also firmly in the conversation, while Ciara Kelly is the only name outside RTÉ's ranks to feature among the frontrunners.

Whoever is chosen will have to hit the ground running, and they'll also face the daunting task of filling Wilson's experienced shoes.

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