RTÉ broadcaster Kieran Hanrahan to retire after 30 years of Céilí House
After three decades at the helm of RTÉ Radio 1's Céilí House, celebrated musician and award-winning broadcaster Kieran Hanrahan today announced his retirement from the national broadcaster. His final show will air on Saturday, August 9 concluding an extraordinary tenure that has helped shape traditional Irish music on airwaves across Ireland.
Kieran Hanrahan first joined RTÉ in 1992, initially presenting Fleadh Club and Both Sides Now before assuming hosting duties of Céilí House in 1995. Céilí House has been on air on RTÉ Radio since the 1950's but over the past thirty years Hanrahan has made the show his own. His warmth, knowledge and passion for music and real interest in the stories being told have firmly established the show as a stronghold for weekend listeners on RTÉ Radio 1. Every Saturday, listeners are guaranteed to hear the best of Irish Traditional music played in halls, houses and theatres all over the country.
Speaking on his retirement, Kieran Hanrahan said:
'It has been an honour and a joy to present Céilí House on RTÉ Radio 1 for the last thirty years. For me, every night was a highlight whether we were in someone's home, the local pub, the parish hall or the National Concert Hall. I am deeply grateful to our loyal listeners, and to the countless musicians, singers and dancers, whose talent and generosity brought the music to life. Thank you for making this phase of my life so rich, rewarding, memorable, and truly special.'
Tara Campbell, Head of RTÉ Radio 1 said:
' Céilí House under the masterful stewardship of Kieran Hanrahan for the last 30 years has represented public service broadcasting at its best. It's such a privilege for Radio 1 to be so warmly welcomed by musicians and performers in the heart of their communities and to be able to share their amazing talents with our loyal listeners. We wish Kieran the very best in whatever comes next and thank him most sincerely for his significant contribution to Radio 1 over more than three decades.'
Hanrahan's final broadcast, a live show from the Gig Rig at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford will take place on Saturday 9 August and marks the closing of a chapter. The show will feature the best of Wexford musicians, including a quartet of Wexford pipers, music from some of the weekend's award winners and special guests.
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