Rachael English announced to replace Bryan Dobson on News at One on RTÉ Radio 1

RTÉ has announced that Rachael English will take over the role of presenting News at One on RTÉ Radio 1 following the retirement of Bryan Dobson, who presented the show for 21 years.

English is best known for her work as member of the team of Morning Ireland presenters for the last 14 years.

The broadcaster will be moving to be a permanent presenter on RTÉ Radio 1's flagship lunchtime radio programme with over 300,000 listeners each weekday.

English said: "One of my first jobs in RTÉ was as a reporter on the News at One. It was also where I first worked as a stand-in presenter. I've always hoped that one day I'd get to return, so I'm delighted to be doing so now.

“It feels like coming home. It's been a privilege to present Morning Ireland, and I'd like to thank the colleagues who have made getting up at 4am bearable. I'm looking forward to working with the fantastic team on the News at One."

The broadcaster joined RTÉ in 1991 as a 2fm news reader and later worked as a reporter for Morning Ireland; the News at One, Today With Pat Kenny and RTÉ Television News.

Her first full-time presenting job was on Five Seven Live on RTÉ Radio 1, where she presented The Late Debate and Saturday View before joining Morning Ireland in 2010.

English has worked on a range of national and international stories including the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In 2022, she was inducted into the IMRO Awards Radio Hall of Fame as a recognition of her outstanding contribution to radio broadcasting in Ireland.

Deirdre McCarthy, Managing Director of News & Current Affairs said that Rachael English is a familiar voice to RTÉs listeners from her time presenting Morning Ireland.

“She will continue to bring her focus and integrity in this new role, representing the public interest on the programme. She is exceptional at asking the probing questions, the questions the listeners want answers to and holding those in power to account,” McCarthy added. “Her extensive broadcast experience along with her measured tone, reassuring and calm delivery will ensure listeners will continue to tune in everyday."

The RTÉ Radio 1 account joked on X that the presenter would finally "get a bit of a lie in!"

Rachael English will be the new presenter of RTÉ News at One on Radio 1 after 14 years on Morning Ireland.

Congratulations Rachael! 🎉

We hope this means you get a bit of a lie in! pic.twitter.com/V4muOQBqjI

— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) May 30, 2024

English will present the News at One on RTÉ Radio 1 for the first time on Monday 15 July.