Former co-hosts of Ireland AM veteran Mark Cagney paid tribute to the “most fantastic television husband” after he quit the show this week.
The 63-year-old, who has presented the hit programme for 20 years, surprised everyone when he announced he was stepping down last month.
Actor Simon Delaney will be taking over the slot for this month.
Many of Mark’s former TV wives, who shared the couch with him over the years, came out this week to talk about their time alongside the “gentleman”.
Amanda Byram said: “He was more than just a wonderful co-host, he was a mentor and I still consider him a good friend today.
“He has been the anchor of Ireland AM in more ways than one, the glue that held it all together and I imagine he will be sorely missed.”
Maura Derrane, who worked alongside Mark for two years, said: “He is honest, loyal and probably the most hardworking and dedicated TV presenter I know.
“He really takes his work seriously and never did an interview without researching it thoroughly.
“He is totally irreplaceable. But, in fairness, he deserves a lie in after all those years getting up in the middle of the night.
“I love Mark to bits and although he has had many TV wives over the years on Ireland AM, I think that I am secretly his favourite.”
Current co-host Ciara Doherty, who has presented alongside Mark since last year after working as a reporter on the show since 2015, said he is one the most professional presenters out there.
She added: “It was an emotional morning for us all. Mark was not just a colleague, he was a real friend.
“Always prepared, always professional. He cared about each and every person who came on to Ireland AM. He was kind and generous and a great broadcaster.
“I will miss working with my pal so much.”
Anna Nolan, who worked with Mark from 2009 to 2015, said he taught her a lot.
She added: “I was just so lucky to have someone like him there to train me.”
Emma Buckley, who worked on the show briefly in 2000, said Mark’s shoes can never be filled.
She added: “There’s no point in even trying to fill his boots. The person who does take over, do your own thing, don’t even try being like him.”
