Virgin Media says Mark Cagney is to leave 'Ireland AM' after almost 20 years.
Cagney has been involved with the TV breakfast show since its inception in 1999 at what was then TV3.
The company says he has been "central" to its success and has thanked him for his "major contribution."
Cagney says he will be stepping down as anchor from July 31st.
In a statement, he says: "It has been one of the great privileges of my life, professionally and personally, to be part of this thing we call Ireland AM.
"To everyone who ever worked on, contributed to, and especially watched AM over the years, my heartfelt thanks."
Reflecting on his time, Cagney says: "In July 1999 I was approached by a friend and asked would I be interested in getting involved in a new media project.
"The project was the launch of commercial breakfast television in Ireland and ultimately became known to the public as Ireland AM.
Former 'Ireland AM' host Amanda Byram with Mark Cagney at a press reception in Dublin in 1999 | Image: RollingNews.ie"As we approach July 2019 20 years later - which honestly, is 19 years longer than any of us thought it would last - it seems like the perfect time to stop getting up at 3.00am in the morning."
"Joking aside, it has been one of the great privileges of my life, professionally and personally, to be part of this thing we call AM."
"It has been a joy and an honour and I've given it everything I've got, as they say in sporting circles - I've left it all out on the pitch.
"So now it's someone else's turn".
Bill Malone, director of content at Virgin Media Television, says: "I would like to thank Mark for his contribution to Ireland AM for the past 20 years.
"He is a giant of Irish broadcasting and has become a staple in Irish viewers' homes each morning.
"He will be greatly missed by both viewers and colleagues alike and I wish him all the best for the future".
Main image: Ciara Doherty and Mark Cagney at the launch of Virgin Media Television's new season schedule in August 2018 | Image: RollingNews.ie
