REVEALED: Irish broadcaster Claire Byrne opens up about why she left RTÉ

Legendary Irish broadcaster Claire Byrne opened up about what led her to the decision to leave RTÉ and move to Newstalk after 15 years in the company. 

Speaking to host Patrick Kielty on Friday's episode (January 16) of the Late Late Show, she cited that turning 50 and wanting a change were the main factors in her move. Along with this, the mother-of-three also revealed that if she was to stay put in RTÉ, she would be getting a pay cut. 

The Laois woman said that the offer from Newstalk wasn't "a sudden thing" but her decision to take up the new post was “age related actually." 

The broadcaster, who turned 50 last summer, said, "It does (aging) make you think about where you're going, what you're doing, are you a bit too comfy in your seat? Should you challenge yourself?”

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"Is this a thing though that you've kind of always had, which is if you feel that you're doing something and you're comfortable, you want to shake it up a bit?" asked Patrick Kielty, to which she replied, "Three to five years, move, move, move. So Newstalk came along and they said, 'We have huge ambition. We want to grow the audience.' Initially I thought, 'You know what, I'm grand where I am. Thank you very much’ and then I thought, 'Why am I not going to meet this challenge?' You know, they think I can do it. Why don't I think that I have the appetite for it? So I said, ‘You know what? Give it a go. Let's do it.’" 

Getting candid, when asked if it was an offer she couldn't refuse, Ms Byrne stated, "I suppose it was but you know what, if I stayed here (in RTÉ), I was going to be very well paid to stay here and I think people know that I've been very honest about what I was earning."

Then asked by the host if she would have gotten a pay cut upon staying with the Irish broadcaster, the former Claire Byrne Live star said, "Yes, I would, yes, yeah and look, let's not make any bones about it. That certainly was a factor but I wasn't going to starve if I stayed here. I was very happy here. I have had opportunities here to do great things. However, did I want to try and stretch my chops a bit? Did I want to try and push on and do something different? Yes, I always do and so ultimately, that was the decision." 

Also on The Late Late Show was Irish actress Amybeth McNulty, who spoke on the massive success of supernatural Netflix series Stranger Things and her leading role in Anne with an E. She chatted to Patrick about life in the spotlight, her massive online following and how growing up in Letterkenny led her into acting. 

Best known for the iconic teen drama The O.C., Mischa Barton dropped in to the studio to discuss her latest stage role in Double Indemnity, coming to the Gaiety Theatre later this year. She reflected on growing up in the public eye, the enduring legacy of The O.C. and how performing on stage compares to her work in film and television.

Thirty years on from the murder of Veronica Guerin, crime journalist Nicola Tallant reflected on Veronica’s remarkable career and the enduring legacy she left in investigative and crime reporting. Nicola also looked back on some of the biggest crime stories that hit Ireland in recent years and why the Regency shooting changed everything.

Irish actress Charlene McKenna also joined the show this week where she discussed returning to the stage in The Crucible and what it’s like to perform alongside her husband. Charlene spoke on the continued rise of Irish talent on the global stage and shared what fans can look forward to from her in 2026.

Lastly, Charlie Smyth, who went from GAA pitches in Co Down to NFL stadiums, returned to The Late Late Show where he talked about his extraordinary year. He too discussed making his debut in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, how the support from home is driving him on and why he has the Superbowl in his sights. 

There was also music from the fantastic Morgana on Friday's episode of the Late Late, which can be viewed now on the RTÉ Player.