FORMER BBC NI journalist Vincent Kearney is to replace Tommie Gorman as Northern Editor of RTÉ News.
The award-winning journalist will take up his new role in the spring when Mr Gorman retires.
With 32 years' experience in journalism, Mr Kearney has previously worked as Home Affairs Correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland as well as The Sunday Times and Belfast Telegraph.
Looking forward to his new challenge Mr Kearney, who is from west Belfast but lives in Lurgan, Co Armagh with his family, said: "I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to take on a role that is without doubt one of the best jobs in journalism on the island of Ireland.
"Tommie Gorman will leave behind an amazing legacy, and huge shoes to fill. I am delighted to be the person to be given the opportunity to fill them."
Jon Williams, Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs, said: "Few know and understand Northern Ireland better than Vincent Kearney.
"A gifted storyteller, three decades of reporting Northern Ireland have given Vincent insights and authority in a place where trust and credibility matter more than most."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also paid tribute to Mr Gorman.
“Tommie has given decades of selfless service to the people of this island, reporting on some of the worst aspects of our recent history, but always seeking to tell human stories about the endless possibilities of our peace," he said.
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadker took to Twitter to praise Mr Gorman.
"Tommie, we’ll miss you," he wrote.
"It’s the end of an era, of award-winning reporting on EU affairs, and ground-breaking, insightful analysis of northern Irish politics.
"The hand of history was on your shoulder. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve every second of it."
