The move will see current Newstalk Breakfast hosts Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman move to The Hard Shoulder, previously fronted by new Liveline presenter Kieran Cuddihy before he made the move to RTÉ.
Anton Savage
Listeners will hear Savage from 7am to 9am, with Claire Byrne taking over the 9am to 12pm slot currently held by Pat Kenny.
Claire Byrne
Andrea Gilligan will continue on Lunchtime Live from 12pm to 2pm and The Moncrieff Show will remain in its 2pm to 4pm slot.
The Hard Shoulder will be on from 4pm to 7pm, now co-presented by Kelly and Coleman.
“I’ve a hard act to follow with Ciara and Shane’s success, but I’m hoping we can pick up where they left off, providing a morning show that gets listeners up to speed for the day in a way that’s fast, informed and fun to listen to,” Savage said of his new role.
Kelly said she is “absolutely thrilled to be taking over The Hard Shoulder with her “great pal Shane Coleman”.
“I’ve had a really brilliant time on Newstalk Breakfast but since I started out in broadcasting, I’ve truly loved that time slot and now I literally can’t wait to get stuck in. Let the games begin.”
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman
Coleman said he is “hugely excited” by the prospect of moving from the mornings to the drivetime slot.
“And I’m thrilled to be doing so alongside my co-host and great friend Ciara Kelly. We can’t wait to get started.”
Changes to the commercial station’s schedule will come into effect from February 3, 2026, when Byrne will take over from Pat Kenny on the mid-morning slot.
Kenny will begin presenting a new weekend show on Saturdays and Sundays from March.
Newstalk managing editor Eric Moylan described the changes as “the most significant schedule revamp in Newstalk’s history”.
Anton Savage, Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, Claire Byrne.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Monday, December 15
“With this line-up we have the strongest presenting team in the country and combined with the best production personnel, we are set to make some great radio.
“This marks a new era for Newstalk. As we strengthen our seven-day offering alongside innovative and compelling new podcast offerings to come, we are set to deepen our connection with the Irish public.
“As ever they will be central to everything we do as we continue to have conversation that counts.”