He's been a fixture of Irish morning television for twenty years, but today saw Mark Cagney make his last appearance on 'Ireland AM'.
The presenter had announced his intention to retire earlier this month, saying "It has been one of the great privileges of my life, professionally and personally, to be part of this thing we call Ireland AM."
This morning was his last time in front of the camera, and it proved to be quite an emotional farewell - with both his co-hosts and fellow broadcasters from Ian Dempsey to Dave Fanning and Pat Kenny paying tribute to him.
He was also surprised by a very special parting gift - a signed guitar from Bono himself.
Both colleagues and fans have been responding to the well-liked presenter's final sign-off on Twitter...
OK I am bawling now.
So much genuine love and respect for Mark Cagney from all the team and viewers of @IrelandAMVMTV
Regardless of your hugely successful 20 year career on Breakfast telly...you are clearly a gorgeous human.
Stand tall Mark.
Beautiful sign off.— Síle Seoige (@SileSeoige) July 31, 2019
This absolute gent is presenting his final @IrelandAMVMTV this morning.
I like so many have nothing but respect and admiration for him. He’s genuinely “one of the good guys”. I feel lucky to have spent some studio time with a total pro 🙌🏼 #IrelandAM #MarkCagney pic.twitter.com/LZ0XfQK71I— Suzanne Kane (@SuzanneKaneFM) July 31, 2019
No shortage of ego maniacs in radio & tv 🤪 But he is one of the good ones. Delighted to join the @IrelandAMVMTV team this morning for Mark Cagney’s last ever show. Wishing him well with the next chapter which I hope involves a LOT of sleep 😴❤️📺 #IrelandAm #VirginMediaOne pic.twitter.com/cJXpzIJ5fn
— Susan Keogh (@susankeoghnews) July 31, 2019
Little tribute to Mark Cagney on @radionova100 this am @ColmandLucyK @IrelandAMVMTV 20 years of fantastic TV 😍 pic.twitter.com/18mF9dnSgl
— Rebecca Horan (@HoranBex) July 31, 2019
Had the great pleasure of working with #markcagney for four years on @IrelandAMVMTV - made a friend for life. He will be sorely missed on breakfast TV. I look forward to seeing what he does next. pic.twitter.com/bwwy6iF5WM
— Richard Stearn (@Richardstearn) July 31, 2019
Mark Cagney will be missed what a fantastic send off they gave him. Lovely gift too.
All the best in whatever you do next Mark. pic.twitter.com/75oNjRxlTc— Dominic Mulcahy (@DomMulcahy) July 31, 2019
It's not yet known if Cagney will take up a role in TV or broadcasting elsewhere - but at least he'll be able to have a lie-in.
