Mark Cagney is leaving Ireland AM after almost 20 years on the popular breakfast show, Virgin Media confirmed today.
He will finish up as anchor on the show at the end of July.
A statement from the TV network said: "Mark has been central to the success of Ireland AM since its inception in 1999 and Virgin Media Television would like to thank him for his major contribution."
The presenter has been described as a "giant of Irish broadcasting" by Virgin Media Director of Content, Bill Malone.
Mr Cagney said: " It has been one of the great privileges of my life, professionally and personally, to be part of this thing we call Ireland AM. I will be stepping down as anchor and moving on from the 31 of July 2019.
"To everyone who ever worked on, contributed to, and especially watched AM over the years, my heartfelt thanks.”
He also quipped that it "seemed like the perfect time to stop getting up at 3.30am "after almost two decades as a breakfast show anchor.
Meanwhile, Bill Malone said:“I would like to thank Mark for his contribution to Ireland AM for the past 20 years.
"He is a giant of Irish broadcasting and has become a staple in Irish viewers’ homes each morning.
"He will be greatly missed by both viewers and colleagues alike and I wish him all the best for the future”.
