Sinéad Kennedy joins presenting team Maura and Dáithí on new season of Today
Today makes an eagerly-awaited return to RTÉ One on Monday 21st September and presenter Sinéad Kennedy will be joining Maura Derrane and Dáithí O’Sé for Ireland’s most watched daytime show. She will present alongside Dáithí on Mondays and Tuesdays for season nine of the much-loved programme.
Sharing her excitement at joining the programme Sinéad Kennedy said: “I’m so excited to be joining Today. Maura, Dáithí and the whole team have been so welcoming and I just can’t wait to get started now. The show is so well loved and I hope that I can bring something extra this season.”
Commenting ahead of the new season Dáithí O’Sé said: “We’re really delighted to have Sinéad on board with us. I think she’s made for the show. It’s season nine and it’s a good time to shake things up.”
Presenter Maura Derrane said: “After I decided to take a step back this year, I’m thrilled that Sinéad is joining us. She is perfect for the show. It will add another dimension to Today as we head into season nine. We are looking forward to bringing our loyal audience a great mix of entertainment, lots of beauty tips and wellbeing as well as our usual mix of fun again this year.”
The addition of Sinead and the refreshed show title of Today comes with even more new elements this season. The show will have a new daily 50/50 quiz for the viewers to win prizes. ‘Gaff Goddess’, Laura de Barra, will be showing us all her tips and tricks in our new ‘Home Hacks’ slot.
Spend time at home with Maura, Dáithí and Sinéad this Autumn as many of your favourite items and contributors make a return. The presenters will chat daily to a host of Irish and UK celebrities. Live from Your Place daily sees the presenters talk to families and communities around Ireland. Our Social Detective James Patrice is on board with off-beat stories and challenges for the presenters. Bláthnaid Treacy and Pat Fitzpatrick will recommend what to watch, listen to and read in ‘Something for the Week’. Mr Beauty himself, Mark Rodgers will be showing us how to look good on the outside with his make-up tutorials. Happy fitness Guy, Ray Lally is back with his workout masterclasses and Marty Morrisey will remember his favourite GAA highlights every Friday. We have daily dinner creations from celebrity chefs like Kevin Dundon, Neven McGuire and Eunice Power with new up-coming cheffing talent also on the show.
Executive producer Janet Frawley said: “We are so delighted to be going into our ninth season. Over the years The Today Show, coming from Cork city centre, has grown into an eclectic nimble show. On air, we’ve been with our viewers through some very eventful times like ‘Beast from the East’ in 2018 and now the global pandemic we are living with. We are part of our viewers daily established routines in the afternoon. With well over 1000 episodes under our belts we are a safe and happy space in the afternoon and on form to have another great season.”
With 160 episoWith 160 episodes this year and over two hours of live television each weekday afternoon, the show is broadcast live daily from RTÉ Cork. Due to its increased popularity during lockdown, it was extended by two weeks at the end of the last season, filling a need as so many people were at home. The last season of Today with Maura and Daithí averaged 97,300 Individuals per show, an increase of 25% compared to the previous season in 2018-2019. It commanded a 17.4% share of viewing among Individuals, which was up more than three percentage points. It was also strong for the Housekeepers with Children audience, yielding a 12.9% share, an increase of over four percentage points.*
In the first week back for season nine, viewers have an opportunity to win a massive €9000.
Tune in to Today on Monday 21st September at 3.30pm on RTÉ One