The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Cahersiveen man lands major RTÉ role
RTÉ has confirmed that Cahersiveen’s Mícheál Lehane will replace David Davin-Power as the national broadcaster’s Political Correspondent, a development that does not surprise his former teacher at Scoil Uí Chonaill, Eamonn Langford.
Mr Lehane, a Carhan Road native, landed the prestigious role earlier this week after Mr Davin Power’s retirement last month. The son of Mary and Tim Lehane, the father-of-three brings almost 20 years of experience to the position, having worked in print journalism prior to joining RTÉ in 2004.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started in this job,” he said.
“It’s a real honour to have been chosen. I think this is a really interesting time in Irish politics and I’m relishing the chance to report on it.”
Having attended CBS Primary School until 1992, he was among the last students to pass through the doors of Scoil Uí Chonaill prior to the opening of Coláiste na Sceilge.
He spent four years at Mary Immaculate College, where he studied Communication and Media Studies; and Philosophy, before joining the state broadcaster in 2004 after a number of years writing for The Kingdom and The Irish Examiner. Since then, he has covered major political stories for RTÉ’s news department, contributing regularly to RTÉ News, The Week in Politics, Morning Ireland, Drivetime, and many other political programmes.
He has received widespread praise for his indepth political analysis, and his former teacher Eamonn Langford said he is “not surprised” at Mr Lehane’s ascent.
“I would have taught Micheál Geography when he was at Scoil Uí Chonaill, and my wife taught him English. He was always a top student; he was destined for big things,” Mr Langford said. “We’re very proud of him down around here, and we’re happy for him, because he is a lovely, self-effacing lad
“He’s well suited to the job. I even had him on the radio here this morning, he was talking about the Fine Gael contest, and he’s very thorough. I wish him luck. but he doesn’t need it!