One Claire winner in battle to seize Today

IT WAS pitched as a bruising battle between two formidable broadcasters – RTÉ’s steely stalwart Claire Byrne and the spirited newcomer Sarah McInerney – to replace Seán O’Rourke.

In the end there could only be one victor, and experience won out as Ms Byrne was crowned the new presenter of the coveted radio show.

However, her rival for the Today role proved to be a valiant contender and is to be rewarded with a new position at RTÉ.

Ms McInerney had been filling in on the daily two-hour show since Seán ‘Honoured’: Host Claire Byrne

O’Rourke retired in May. And while she was always a serious prospect to be made the permanent host, once the accomplished Ms Byrne, 45, threw her hat in the ring, the novice’s odds lengthened. Ms Byrne had long been touted as the ideal candidate for the hot seat in RTÉ Radio 1’s biggest currentaffairs slot. Ms McInerney showed real grit and talent, posing difficult questions to our leaders and health experts on a daily basis during a most extraordinary time. However, once Ms Byrne publicly expressed interest in the slot, Ms McInerney was diminished to young pretender.

Ms Byrne will take the reins almost immediately, starting in the slot at 10am next Monday.

And RTÉ also confirmed her flagship current affairs show, Claire Byrne Live, will return to our screens next month.

Speaking after yesterday’s announcement that she will follow in the footsteps of Mr O’Rourke and Pat Kenny, Ms Byrne said she is ‘honoured’ to work on the show. ‘I am truly delighted, honoured and humbled to be taking on this new role at RTÉ Radio 1,’ she said. ‘My job will be to represent the voices of the RTÉ Radio 1 listeners and to always ask the questions they want answered at this most critical time.

‘I won’t let them down. I can’t wait to get started with the legendary team who work on the show and to help craft with them the informative, entertaining and important Today show we’ve all come to know, love and rely on in our daily listening lives.’

Peter Woods, head of RTÉ Radio 1, paid tribute to Ms McInerney – saying she has had ‘considerable input’ to the station. Explaining the decision, he added: ‘Claire has vast experience across all RTÉ platforms but began her career with radio, presenting the Late Debate and subsequently Saturday With Claire Byrne. She brings that experience, a natural curiosity, focus and real integrity to the Today programme.

‘I’d also like to thank Sarah McInerney for her considerable input on this station since last May and am looking forward to continuing working with her.’

Ms McInerney’s new role with the broadcaster will be confirmed in the coming weeks.