The voice of a nation.

Ryle Nugent has just announced that he is leaving RTÉ as Head of Sport at the national broadcaster.

Nugent will depart on June 1st after an astonishing 24 years with RTÉ.

In a statement released via RTÉ, the legendary Nugent said:

After eight years as Group Head of RTÉ Sport, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to move on to take up new challenges. The last eight years as Group Head have been a genuine privilege and the most rewarding of my career, but as we head into what would be my ninth season at the helm, ninth GAA Championships and third World Cup, I feel its time to hand the baton on.

Jim Jennings, Director of Content said, “Ryle has made an enormous contribution to RTÉ both in front of and behind the scenes, particularly in the last eight years as Group Head of RTÉ Sport. The fact that RTÉ has maintained such a significant portfolio of sports rights is a tribute to Ryle and all of the team in RTÉ Sport who are dedicated to bringing our national teams and national games to Irish audiences. We will continue on that mission, but today is about marking Ryle’s contribution. I wish Ryle the very best in all that does and thank him for his commitment and the significant contribution he has made.

RTÉ have said they will advertise for a replacement in the coming days.