Carl Mullan Reflects on Doireann Garrihy and Donncha O’Callaghan’s Departure from 2FM

RTÉ star Carl Mullan expressed his feelings of disappointment following the departure of his colleagues, Doireann Garrihy and Donncha O’Callaghan, from the 2FM Breakfast show. The trio had developed a strong camaraderie during their time together, and Mullan’s worries about maintaining their friendship were evident when they left the station last year. Garrihy returned to 2FM several months later to host the Drivetime show.

Reflecting on the impact of their departure, Mullan stated, “From my point of view, I was upset that two people I’d become very close to were leaving.” He acknowledged that their collective chemistry had created a unique atmosphere on the show, which he deeply valued. “I was really worried at the time that with them leaving the show, it would be the end of our friendship and that’s what upset me the most,” he added.

New Beginnings with Fresh Co-Hosts

Despite his initial concerns, Mullan quickly realized that his friendships with Garrihy and O’Callaghan would endure. He remarked humorously, “They’re not going anywhere, and sure we’re in touch all the time. I can’t get rid of them.”

Now co-hosting with Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner, Mullan described how the new team has found their rhythm. “It’s all settling in now, and with Roz and Aisling, we’ve found our groove. It’s a different dynamic and new personalities, but that’s the thing I’m enjoying most about it,” he explained. He noted that while he initially feared comparisons with his former co-hosts, the positive rapport with Purcell and Bonner has made the transition exciting.

A Journey to the Airwaves

Mullan also shared insights into his journey to securing a role on 2FM. He revealed that he had long desired to work on air but hesitated due to concerns about how others might perceive his ambition. “I always had a scratch I wanted to itch to be on air, but I almost felt if I said it out loud people would think that I had this massive ego,” he said.

His breakthrough came when he decided to actively pursue opportunities. Mullan recalled, “I started knocking on doors and asking the bosses in 2FM to meet for coffee.” His first opportunity to broadcast came on St Stephen’s Day in 2014, although it was not without its challenges. A technical issue occurred during his segment, resulting in the entire station going off the air. “Thankfully, they told me it happens to everyone at least once,” he noted with a sense of relief.

Following that experience, Mullan continued to gain exposure by hosting Weekend Breakfast and collaborating with notable presenters like Nicky Byrne and Jenny Greene. When the opportunity to join the Breakfast show arose, Mullan knew he needed to stand out. He took a bold step by creating a video pitch for the 2FM management, expressing his enthusiasm for the role. “I remember hitting ‘send’ and thinking that either sinks me or it’s what gets me the job,” he recounted, reflecting on the gamble he took.

Ultimately, Mullan’s determination paid off, and he was officially announced as part of the Breakfast show lineup alongside Garrihy and O’Callaghan in 2021. He concluded with a valuable lesson learned throughout his career: “It’s been a big learning curve for me over the years, that idea that opportunity will come and find you. It will not; you have to keep knocking at the doors.”

With his current team, Mullan is excited about the future of their show and the bonds he continues to maintain with his former colleagues.