Donncha O’Callaghan announces major career shake-up day after shock RTE 2FM exit

DONNCHA O’Callaghan has announced a major career move just one day after confirming his shock exit from RTE 2FM.

The rugby legend turned radio star yesterday became the fifth big-name host to quit the station in a matter of weeks.

Donncha, 45, confirmed he was moving on from 2FM, as first revealed by The Irish Sun, with an emotional statement on Tuesday.

But the dad-of-four revealed he was moving into a whole new career zone, with the release of his first ever children’s book this October.

The new kids book is called Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos and can be pre-ordered in all book shops nationwide.

Donncha revealed: “I have some exciting news, my new kids’ book, Disaster Dad: Chicken Chaos is available to purchase on the 24th of October.

“You can pre-order it online or in all good bookshops now, I would love you to pick it up.”

And he told followers that “if he’s honest, the book is basically an autobiography”.

He humorously added: “It is the chaos and madness of my life put into a book for my kids to read.”

The former Munster icon emphasised the “importance” of “sitting down and reading” with your kids before bed and highlighted that he didn’t realise this until he became a parent himself.”

He said: “I’m hoping there is a few parents and kids out there that can enjoy the mayhem and madness of this.”

And fans and famous friends were more than delighted to congratulate the star on his new career venture.

Fellow 2FM pal Carl Mullan wrote: “PLEASE tell me the table made the cut? Unbelievable Donners, massive congrats.”

Muireann O’Connell joked: “Congratulations Donncha! Looks fab! Hope we’ll see you on the couch selling Tommy out!”

Doireann Garrihy added: “He’s a busy business book b***h. Go on Donners.”

Anna Geary remarked: “AHH well done!”

And Donncha’s wife Jenny said: “Not always a disaster!! Very proud of this, it’s great fun.”

RADIO RUN

Announcing his radio exit earlier this week, Donncha said: “I’m sure we’d all agree, it’s never easy to step away from something you really enjoy doing.

“Friday the 5th July will be my last 2FM Breakfast Show. I’m so incredibly grateful and proud of the last five years in 2FM, I’ve absolutely loved it.”

Donncha’s decision to quit comes just weeks after the station lost Doireann, The 2 Johnnies and Jennifer Zamparelli.

Meanwhile, Lottie Ryan has spoken out over RTE portraying her as the face of the new 2FM summer schedule.

The Irish Sun first revealed on Monday how the daughter of Gerry Ryan had told pals she felt “devastated” and “used” after RTE chiefs announced her as the face of the new 2FM Summer Schedule with new show 2FM Drive with Lottie and David.

he 38-year-old has now confirmed that the term “summer schedule” led to confusion over her new gig.

And Lottie and David are due to wrap up their stint next Friday July 5.

Lottie posted on Instagram today: “The ‘summer schedule’ has led to some confusion. To clarify – the plan was always for short term cover, and I knew this from the start. The phrase ‘summer schedule’ has led to all this confusion.

“I’m not going anywhere and am very much a part of 2FM. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the incredible Drive team and its been an absolute joy working with such amazing people. Thank for your support.”