Former radio host Mairead Ronan has revealed what pushed her to quit her dream job on Today FM.
The Dubliner shocked listeners with her announcement that she was leaving the station even though her show was at its peak. Mairead said the Covid-19 pandemic was the catalyst that encouraged her to step away from her radio gig.
The TV presenter had once worked as a producer for Ian Dempsey and Ray D'Arcy before landing her own lunchtime show in September 2019. Two years later in November 2021, Mairead announced the 'bittersweet' decision to step away from the mic.
Read more: Jamie Lee Curtis has hilarious exchange with fan as she enjoys stroll along the capital's streets
She told the Irish Sunday Mirror this weekend: “It was very good of Today FM to let me go the way I did and let me do it on air. To tell that story... they really supported me and they were shocked. Most people wait to be fired because nobody really leaves media gigs ever.
“I probably never would have left Today FM if Covid didn’t happen. I was too scared, too afraid of failure and the whole thing of ego.”
Mairead said as a former producer she never feared being axed because “when you’re in production you don’t get the chop”.
But the 42-year-old presenter still worries over being replaced on TV, as she continues to host RTE show Ireland's Fittest Family. She said: “I have that side on telly, I feel I could be replaced and you can be replaced in five minutes."
Fresh from filming the latest season of Ireland’s Fittest Families for RTE Mairead said: “It’s year 10, it’s hard to believe, it’s flown in, it’s a bit freaky. We’re in a brand new location for the first time ever in Rathbeggan Lakes up in Meath.
“The gorgeous Derval O’Rourke is gone, I suppose in a way like me on the radio, there’s only so many balls you can juggle. Nina Carberry is in Derv’s place, Davy Fitz, Donncha O’Callaghan and Anna Geary are back.
Read more: Paul Mescal describes 'chaotic' GAA to confused Americans on Late Night with Seth Myers
“Nina has a different sports background, a champion jockey, different but very calm, a bit like Derv, she’s not roaring at the contestants.”
Mairead laughed at the suggestion of completing the course herself. She said: “I’ve done the ramp and Hanging Tough but not the swampy bog stuff, no thanks.”
She spoke about her own fitness as the show returned to TV screens last night. She revealed: “Cardio wise I’m always fit but in certain years I’ve been in better shape. I don’t think men feel the same pressure because I still think we’re judged more.
“I feel fantastic, I don’t feel the pressure as much, I feel I look good for my age.”
And she said the odd time she gets negative feedback on social media it tends to come from men. She added: “With Instagram 80% of my following is women, they’re a similar age to me so they get it.
“The very odd time I’d get something mean said to me. There were some mean things about how I look from a guy. On my radio show I was always protected from that."
As for going back on air, the mum to Dara, 15, Eliza, six, and four-year-old Bonnie said her kids are her focus. She said: “I love the freedom I have now, I love bringing my kids to school, coming home, making the dinners.
“I still work, but a few people asked me recently, how’s retirement?
“I was like I’m not retired, I’ve just done two 14 hour days. But I’ve slowed down, the treadmill couldn’t go fast enough and I was dead on it. Now I love the pace, I feel organised, I feel I can catch my breath.."
Asked if she would ever consider returning to radio, she said: “I don’t know, maybe when the kids are a bit bigger, I would but I don’t know would anybody want me then!”
Married to Louis Ronan for seven years, the couple celebrated 12 years together this month. She giggles: “He’s way calmer than me, he’s a hardworking businessman, allergic to media.”
Mairead has a savvy business head on her with her hair brand, Faro, growing. She revealed: “We have our own warehouse now. We’re going into Arnotts now too and in Peter Mark across Ireland.”
Ireland’s Fittest Family is back on RTE One on Sunday nights at 6.30pm
Read next:
- RTE Late Late Show viewers hail 'legend' Jamie Lee Curtis as she calls Irish people 'nicest in the world'
- Aslan's Christy Dignam thanks fans for good wishes during 'difficult time' as he remains in hospital
- Late Late Show ratings nosedive after return to screens
- Marty Whelan remembers music legend Coolio as a 'gorgeous man' as he recalls meeting
RTE star Blathnaid Treacy says she has no plans to host Dancing With The Stars
