RTÉ Radio 1  has officially launched their new schedule

This column usually devotes itself to the musical realm of West Cork, but it would be remiss not to make news of the aural schedule of the all-important radio, and particularly RTÉ Radio 1 as they have just launched their new schedule. 

Since the Ryan Tubridy debacle kicked off, news about the station has been as juicy as anything that their news covers, and the new schedule will reignite interest, at least.

Due to come into effect next Monday, November 10th, 9am will no longer feature the spritely sarcastic tones of Oliver Callan, but instead the more sombre David McCullagh with his ‘distinctive sharp, skilled approach’. 

Mr Callan instead comes along at 11am, with a double-dose of his critical eye on trending topics, the latest goings on in sport, culture and music, and everything else that’s matters to the listeners across the country, while bringing his inimitable bit of craic to it.

This means that the 12pm hour-long music slot is gone. Long-held by Ronan Collins, the show has been helmed by Louise Duffy for some time now who moves to the slot left (suddenly) vacant with the departure of Ray D’Arcy. 

Before that, News at One stays where it is with Rachel English, followed by newcomer Kieran Cuddihy on Liveline. 

The recent Newstalk immigrant takes over permanently from Joe Duffy, after the last few weeks and months of pick-and-mix presenters who have all had a go at the mic.

Louise’s afternoon slot is now just one hour long as Drivetime moves to the earlier time of 4pm, with new hosts Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin. At 6pm, in case there wasn’t enough of it at every other time of the day, night, and weekends, is a new offering, Inside Sport. Presented by Jacqui Hurley and Marie Crowe, the show brings the latest ‘news, previews and reactions, live updates and straight-talking insight from guests and pundits’.

Arena and The John Creedon Show appear to be safe and in-situ for now, with a new presenter for Arena due to be announced at a later date. The captain of that particular ship continues to be Rick O’Shea since the passing of Seán Rocks. The Late Debate hosted by Cormac O’ hEadhra also stays put. 

No mention was made in the press release of what happens after that, in