Broadcaster Eamon Dunphy is to leave Dublin's NewsTalk 106 just before it takes to the national stage.
Dunphy, who presented The Breakfast Showon the station for the past two-years, said the decision had been a lifestyle choice.
"Because of my increased commitment to RTE Television Sports Soccer coverage I have decided not to exercise the option of another year on my contract with NewsTalk 106," Dunphy said.
"Over the past two years I have enjoyed the challenge of helping to create the credible morning programme that NewsTalk now has."
"I was fortunate to have worked with an outstanding team and I wish them and the station every success in the future."
Dunphy had been battling against RTE's Morning Irelandfor listeners in the 7am-9am slot.
This will be seen as a blow to NewsTalk 106 which has been granted a 10-year licence to begin providing extensive news programmes to 80% of the country from later this year.
The station's listenership was expected to receive a major boost with its high-profile presenters, Dunphy, rugby pundit George Hook and Sean Moncrieff all attracting a wider audience.
The station has been serving the Dublin region since 2002.
It has been predicting taking a 4 per cent share of the State's radio market in the first year of the extended licence before the defection of Dunphy was announced.
Dunphy joined NewsTalk 106 in 2004 after leaving his acclaimed show The Last Wordon Today FM in 2002 — where his programme had a daily audience of more than 177,000 people.