After 15 years at the helm of RTÉ's iconic highlights programme, Des Cahill has left his job as host of The Sunday Game.
The news was announced by RTÉ on Monday morning, in the aftermath of the 2023 intercounty championship draw, which was carried out on RTÉ radio over the weekend.
Cahill said he had made the decision in order to attend more live games in the new year - something he said he sorely misses.
Sunday Game in search for new host after Des Cahill departure
Des Cahill has been the face of The Sunday Game for 15 years now, but Irish sports fans will have a change on their screens for the 2023 intercounty season.
Cahill shared a video from the show's studio in RTÉ on Monday morning, saying "vacancy, great summer job - but you have to be prepared to work Sunday nights!"
TV PRESENTER REQUIRED…🤩 pic.twitter.com/obfFFclqp6
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) October 17, 2022
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RTÉ confirmed that Cahill will host both Saturday Sport and Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio after stepping away from his Sunday Game responsibilities.
They also shared a statement from Cahill, in which he spoke about his love for The Sunday Game - and his reasoning for leaving the role.
The reason I want a change is very straightforward - I want to go to live games again!
It's been a privilege to host The Sunday Game for the past 15 seasons, but I miss the sense of fun and anticipation as you make your way to a match, the feeling of tension and excitement, the roar of the crowd.
I can't wait to experience that again when I'm fronting Saturday Sport and Sunday Sport live from some of the most iconic venues in the country.
I'm hugely grateful and in debt to the fantastic team on The Sunday Game, who work so hard to bring the programme to air every week throughout the Championship.
I've no doubt that their passion and commitment to deliver for the audience will continue in the seasons ahead with a new presenter in the hot seat.
The departure of Des Cahill only adds to the air of change surrounding RTÉ's championship coverage for 2023, with Pat Spillane retiring from his punditry role and Colm O'Rourke departing to take charge of the Meath footballers.
Joanne Cantwell will continue to host the live broadcast of The Sunday Game, and the host of the evening highlights show will be confirmed ahead of the new intercounty season.
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