The 2 Johnnies sign off final RTÉ show following cryptic hint as to real reason for leaving

The 2 Johnnies have signed off from their final show on RTÉ2FM, thanking listeners for tuning in during a poignant final message and with a cryptic hint as to their departure given to tipperarylive.ie in an exclusive interview. 

“It’s emotional, but it was unbelievable. We loved talking to everybody everyday from 3-6pm,” they said, describing their listeners as the “main reason” for taking the slot on radio.

“We came in not knowing what it was going to be like and I suppose at first we didn’t understand the job or respect the job enough; how much was in it, how much radio means to people.

“You come in from the internet wilderness and think, ‘sure we’ll just horse into it’ and then you realise how much radio means to people, people all over the world and the messages we got about what people were going through and it cheered people up. That was the job.”

Broadcaster Aifric O’Connell, who will take over from Doireann Garrihy on the morning slot this summer, became emotional as she said: “We love ye. We are very sad you’re leaving, but are so glad that you came.”

RTÉ star Marty Morrissey was among listeners who sent messages of farewell to the duo during their final show on Friday evening, including both of their mothers.

Johnny B’s mother said she would miss them on the radio each evening, while Johnny Smacks’ mother – known as “Mammy Smacks” –said if he ever missed his daily phone call to her, she could always tune into 2FM.

Speaking to tipperarylive.ie ahead of their final show on RTÉ2FM, The 2 Johnnies said one of the reasons for their high-profile exit is that the station didn’t “share the same ambition” as them.

Their departure announcement was accompanied by other popular 2FM presenters Doireann Garrihy and Jennifer Zamparelli announcing their exits.

Drive It with the 2 Johnnies is the fourth most-listened-to radio show on 2FM.

Friday also marked their new album release titled Small Town Heroes which is dedicated to characters within their hometown of Cahir.

They now plan to embark on a world tour with their album, including the United States.