RTE star Arthur Gourounlian was brought “to tears” as his husband signed off on his 98FM radio show for a final time.
Popular presenter Brian Dowling called it quits on the hit morning show today after two years at the helm.
Brian had been co-hosting the weekday show from 10am to 1pm with Suzanne Kane since March 2023.
It was an emotional final show for the dad-of-two, who told listeners: “I have had the best time here for nearly two and a half years.
“It’s been an absolute blast. It’s been an honour to sit in this chair for the length of time I have.”
Fighting back tears, he added: “I’m sure a lot of people thought, ‘Oh, Brian Dowling got a job – He’ll be in it six weeks and he’ll be gone’. I have given this show absolutely everything.
“I became a dad on this show. I’ve had television success on this show. I’ve had it all on this show.”
Arthur, who had tuned in from home, shared an emotional tribute after hearing Brian’s final sign-off, revealing it brought him “to tears”.
He wrote: “I listened to my husband saying goodbye to something he had given everything to for the last two and a half years – a show he didn’t just work on – he lived it.”
Praising his husband’s passion, Arthur added: “Every morning, every laugh, every moment he poured his heart and soul into… and he loved every second of it.”
During the final statement, Brian himself also admitted: “I can’t lie. It’s been tough recently, but I’ve tried to stay strong.”
Arthur said it wasn’t just because “it’s over” that made him emotional, as he added: “But because I’m so proud of the man behind the mic.”
He gushed: “Baby, you are one of the most genuine, passionate and talented people I know. Watching you chase your dream with such fire and joy has been nothing short of inspiring.”
The celebrity judge also acknowledged how much the show meant to him and their two little ones.
He added: “Blake, Blu and I have loved starting our mornings with your voice – and we’re just as excited for what comes next.”
And signing off with some hopeful words, Arthur wrote: “So here’s to new beginnings, new chapters and new adventures. Keep your head high, WE LOVE YOU. The best is still to come.
“Thank you for making us smile and laugh 5 days a week on 98FM. We’ve always got your back – and we always will.”
‘WE LOVE YOU’
At the end of the final show today, Leanne praised Brian saying: “It’s been a pleasure. We love you. You brought so much energy, such enthusiasm to what you do.
“I think you’ve proven so many people wrong as well. I think that that is the biggest, biggest thing. And you’re just, you’re a great person.
“We love spending time with you. All our listeners this morning have been sending in so many texts, so many WhatsApps saying the very same thing about how much you have kept them company over the last two years and how much you will be missed.”
Brian replied: “Listen, I’m lucky enough to meet our listeners on a daily basis. They are the salt of the earth, lovely people. I’ve had a laugh every single day.
“I’ve never taken the job for granted. I’ve appreciated every day. I’ve been sat in front of this mic and I’m being myself and I don’t regret any of it.
“I don’t believe you should have regrets in life.”
