The Irish entertainment industry is abuzz with the news of Kieran Cuddihy’s leap of faith from Newstalk over to RTÉ Radio 1, replacing Joe Duffy on Liveline.
Joe hung up his mic in June, opening up one of the most coveted seats in Irish radio, and speculation was rife as to who would fill the presenter’s shoes with many, many names tossed about.
On Friday came the news that Kieran would step into the role, and now that his predecessor has finally been chosen, Joe’s given his two cents…
Kieran Cuddihy. Pic: Robbie Reynolds
Sharing his thoughts on X, Joe tweeted: ‘I previously wrote to Kieran Cuddihy, admiring his incredible work ethic and forensic interviewing. Great choice for @rteliveline.
Passing the baton, he continued: ‘Cheers… you’ll be brilliant, remember the first 27 years are the hardest!!’
I previously wrote to Kieran Cuddihy admiring his incredible work ethic and forensic interviewing Great choice for @rteliveline Cheers …you’ll be brilliant, remember the first 27 years are the hardest!! @RTERadio1 @Independent_ie @IrishTimes @RTELateLateShow @irishdailymail
— JOE DUFFY (@talktojoeduffy) October 10, 2025
Joe’s followers chimed in with praise for Kieran, with one writing: ‘Delighted that Kieran got the job Joe. He’s a great presenter. Also glad that Sarah [McInerney] got the morning slot. Happy retirement.’
Another penned: ‘Fantastic signing. Had us guessing all summer, but RTÉ were thinking outside the box.’
Kieran Cuddihy presented The Tonight Show. Pic: Sportsfile
It comes after Extra.ie reported that Virgin Media bosses are ‘beyond furious’ that their star news and current affairs anchor, who took over as host of The Tonight Show in March, has moved to RTÉ.
Furthermore, it’s believed that station bosses were informed just minutes before it was publicly revealed that Kieran was leaving Virgin to take up the role as the new presenter of Liveline.
Kieran Cuddihy at the Virgin Media Television new season schedule launch at The Stella Cinema in Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Later, RTÉ was forced to abandon Friday’s Late Late Show appearance by its new Liveline host, Kieran Cuddihy, following legal threats from Newstalk.
There’s no business like showbusiness, eh, Kieran!?