08-08-2025
RTE star steps down
Another RTE radio star is leaving the station for pastures new after 30 years behind the microphone.
Yesterday the latest JNLR radio listenership figures were released and saw RTE Radio 1 managing to keep ahead of the Radio posse, with weekend presenters like Brendan O'Connor and Miriam O'Callaghan gaining a substantial amount of new listeners, but 2FM is still suffering in the doldrums.
So the news that Kieran Hanrahan will retire this weekend after 30 years as host of RTÉ Radio 1's Céili House, has come as a surprise to many, with the station riding high in the ratings at the moment. 19/01/2023Kieran Hanrahan Festival Director during the official launch of TradFest 2023 at Castle Hall, Dublin Castle, Dublin.
Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
The celebrated musician and award-winning broadcaster's final programme, a live show from the Gig Rig at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford, will air on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday 9th August just after 9pm.
As well as hosting his successful show on RTE, Kieran is also an assistant lecturer at the Conservatory of Music and Drama at Dublin Institute of Technology where he works in the Traditional Music program.
Over the past five years he has also been the artistic director of the Temple Bar TradFest in Dublin. 19/01/2023(L to R) Kieran Hanrahan Festival Director Tradfest
Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
The Ennis native not only has a passion for sharing traditional music but has played it his entire life.
Kieran Hanrahan joined RTE way back in 1992, and presented his first programme, Fleadh Club, and later Both Sides Now, before he took over the presenters role as the host of Céili House in 1995.
Céili House has been a staple on the air at RTE since the 1950's and while the show was always a favourite with listeners, insiders at RTE say, Kieran Hanrahan made the show his own when he took over the mic some 30 years ago. 19/01/2023(L to R) Stephen Rea is presented with a T shirt featuring him by Kieran Hanrahan Festival Director Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD during the official launch of TradFest 2023 at Castle Hall, Dublin Castle, Dublin.
Photo: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
A spokesperson at RTE said, '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.'
As for the presenter himself, on hanging up the headphones, Kieran Hanrahan said it had been 'an honour and a joy' to present Céili House.
He added '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.' Pic: Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images
The popular presenter said '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.'
Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Tara Campbell said, Céili House under the masterful stewardship of Kieran Hanrahan for the last 30 years has represented public service broadcasting at its best.'
In conclusion she said '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.'
