Ronan Collins has announced he will present his self titled RTÉ Radio One show for the final time in just two weeks time.
The veteran broadcaster's show will end on Friday December 23rd however he will still present occasionally on Bank Holidays.
Collins who turned seventy in October, has spent the last thirty-seven years with Radio One and has been hosting his programme between 12pm and 1pm for several years.
Prior to that he worked on Radio 2, now 2fm, for six years.
Collins is well-known for playing requests on his show for listeners with "roundy birthdays". He has built himself a loyal listernship throughout the decades.
Collins announced the news to over 200,000 of his listeners at the beginning of today's programme.
“I’ve been working on afternoon radio on RTÉ Radio 1 for nearly 38 years, plus six years before that on Radio 2, and nobody will ever know how grateful I have been for all the opportunities over the past 40 years and going forward with RTÉ," he said.
"I often ask myself ‘how much longer can I continue to do this?,' and the answer always is ‘just keep going.’ New challenges await now on RTÉ in 2023, and I will continue to be on RTÉ Radio 1 with The Collins Collection on Bank Holidays.”
Listeners pay tribute to Ronan Collins
Listeners expressed their shock upon hearing the news. Some described themselves as "heartbroken" said that he would be "missed".
I know I'm not the only person who just suddenly had something in their eye hearing Ronan Collins announce his last show...
His voice has always been part of the memories of my granny's kitchen. End of an era!— Emma Walsh (@walshie_writes) December 9, 2022
Ah, Ronan Collins will be missed from @RTERadio1! There are few shows where you could go from Roy Orbison to Steps tunes in one fade... and a few people's 'roundy birthdays' thrown into the mix for good measure! 😊
— Sarah Bermingham (@SarahKEB) December 9, 2022
I'm kinda heartbroken 💔
From 12 to 1pm Mon - Fri you have been my constant companion for years. There's always been a song-a-day that links me to my past
Thank you for the music #RonanCollins
I hope your retirement is filled with good health and love@RTERadio1
I'll miss you— The Reluctant Foodie (@ReluctantF00die) December 9, 2022
Shocked that #ronancollins has just announced his retirement. Ronan has been a source of musical enlightenment to not just me but the nation. @RTERadio1 Best of luck on your retirement and thank you x
— Chris (just the one) Wilson (@chriswilsonie) December 9, 2022
Ahh, Ronan Collins, you'll be very much missed on the wireless. Thanks for all the tunes . 🎶 🎵 @RTERadio1
— Melanie Gibney (@Melanie_Gibney) December 9, 2022
"Ronan Collins is a legend on Irish radio," Head of RTÉ Radio One, Peter Woods,said.
"He has fronted the biggest music programme in the country and leaves it at the top of his game."
Before entering broadcasting Collins was a showband drummer for Dickie Rock.
He has been married to his wife Woody for forty-four years. The couple have three children; Jessica, Damien and Lisa together.
RTÉ has yet to announce a replacement for Collins.
SEE ALSO: Boyzlife Named As British By FIFA Ahead Of World Cup Performance
