RTÉ News is pleased to announce the appointment of RTÉ journalist, Sinéad Hussey, as Midlands Correspondent.

Sinéad previously held the position of North East Correspondent, and was appointed following a recent competition.

Sinéad Hussey has worked as a multimedia journalist in RTÉ since 2011, reporting across television, radio and online news including RTÉ’s Six One News, Nine O’Clock News and foreign news desk. She was appointed RTÉ​ News North East Correspondent in January 2019 and has reported extensively on the impact of Brexit along the border as well as the Drogheda feud, cross border criminality and the controversy surrounding the closure of the emergency department at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan.

Sinéad has also covered a wide range of major national news stories in recent years including the murder of Aisling Murphy in Tullamore in January of this year, the murders of Michael Snee and Aidan Moffit in Sligo in April, the attack on Kevin Lunney in Cavan in 2019, and the killing of Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea in June 2020.

In 2016 she reported for RTE from the constituency of Longford Westmeath. The count, in Kenagh Co Longford, lasted six days. She has also reported on local and European elections and most recently she covered the Northern elections from the Magherafelt count centre in Derry.

Sinéad holds a BA (Economics and Spanish) and a Masters in Communications from Maynooth University.

She began her broadcasting career at her local radio station Shannonside Northern Sound. During her time there, she worked as a receptionist, sports reporter and later a senior news reporter.

She also spent time working as a news reporter and newsreader in LMFM and INN. Sinéad moved to Newstalk in October 2006, spending almost five years working there as a senior news correspondent, covering politics and crime.

Sinéad Hussey is a native of Longford town, and currently lives in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Commenting on her new role Sinéad said: “I have travelled every road of the north east region over the last three and a half years and I’ve enjoyed telling stories from across counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth and Meath. At times some of these stories were difficult and sad. So many people opened their doors and hearts to me and I’m grateful for their kindness and friendship.”

“Being appointed Midlands correspondent is a dream come true. Having grown up in the region I have an intimate understanding of the issues and challenges facing people and business. I believe strongly in RTÉ’s regional coverage and I want to bring the issues, voices and stories of the midlands to a national audience.“

Sinéad will be taking up the post in the coming weeks.

(The position of Midlands Correspondent was previously held by Ciaran Mullooly who left RTÉ last year, after 23 years in the role.)

RTÉ has today learned of the sad passing of former Director General of RTÉ, Joe Barry (1992-1997) who passed away last night, Wednesday 6 July 2022.

A native of Dunmanway, Co Cork, Joe Barry worked in a variety of operational and managerial positions within RTÉ from 1956 – 1992, before being appointed to the role of Director-General, RTÉ from 1992 – 1997.   He subsequently served a term on the RTÉ Authority from 2000 for four years.

A dedicated public servant, Joe Barry was committed to ensuring that RTÉ reflected the lives of the people of Ireland. He opened RTÉ’s Cork Studios during his tenure and oversaw the launch of RTÉ’S online services in 1996.

Joe Barry paved the way for the programme of regional studio expansion that exists today and helped RTÉ’s services transition to the 24-hour model that allowed RTÉ to compete with international services that came to Ireland during that time.

RTÉ Director General, Dee Forbes said: “We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of for Director-General, Joe Barry who served Radio Éireann and RTÉ with distinction and ambition. While I didn’t know Joe personally, I was aware of his legacy in driving greater levels of regional representation and employment by RTÉ, his tenacity in transitioning our services to the 24-hour model that we know today, and his passion for strong national public service broadcasting, particularly in the face of increasing competition.  He made a significant contribution to Irish life, both within RTÉ and in other roles in later years.  Our thoughts are with his wife, Aileen, and family at this sad time.”

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

RTÉ has partnered with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and Comhaltas as the official media partner to support Ireland’s largest celebration of traditional music, culture, song and dance.

31st July – 8th August, 2022 | Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

After a two-year hiatus, Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann makes its momentous return to the town where it all started – Mullingar in Co. Westmeath. To mark this special Homecoming, RTÉ has partnered with the Fleadh from 31st July – 8th August as official media partner to celebrate the world’s largest festival of Irish music, song, dance, agus comhrá gaeilge.

RTÉ’s support of the 2022 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is in line with its vision to champion Irish culture by captivating audiences and celebrating Ireland’s rich diversity. As part of this collaboration, RTÉ will support Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with an extensive marketing campaign across broadcast, social and digital platforms. The campaign will span across RTÉ’s television and radio channels as well as on rte.ie.

RTÉ will also bring the craic agus ceoil to everyone around the country with a range of radio programmes live from Mullingar across the Festival week. Ray D’Arcy will kick off celebrations with a live broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on Tuesday 2 August. This special Fleadh-themed programme will be a chance for Ray to host a myriad of Fleadh all-stars including local legacy acts, headline performers along with some of the Fleadh’s world-class competitors. On Friday 5 August, RTÉ Radio 1’s The John Creedon Show will join the celebrations with a live broadcast from the town. John Creedon will also be out and about during the week in Mullingar filming a new television programme for RTÉ television which will air later in the year.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has a partnership with Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that goes back decades, and they are delighted to be there again this year to broadcast live from heart of the action. On Thursday 4 August and Friday 5 August, Binneas Béil will be presented by Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha live from the RTÉ RnaG roadcaster, An Ródaí, in the heart of Mullingar, and they’ll be back with more great live music and interviews for the listeners on Saturday afternoon too.

Don’t miss RTÉ Radio 1’s Céilí House with Kieran Hanrahan who will be broadcasting live from the GigRig on Saturday 6 August at 9pm. Céilí House will also be recording the All Ireland senior Céilí Band finals on Sunday 7 August for later transmission. Plus lots of other musical recordings from Mullingar will feature in Céilí House programmes throughout August

Director General of RTÉ, Dee Forbes said: “It is great to see the return of this wonderful celebration of traditional music, culture, song and dance to Mullingar and RTÉ is delighted to be there. We are looking forward to being part of what is a unique showcase of Irish music and culture. Best of luck to all the competitors and performers who are coming to Mullingar from all over the world and congratulations to our partners in Fleadh Cheoil and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for putting together such an impressive programme this year.”

Joe Connaire, Chairman of the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann Executive Committee said: “We are pleased to partner with RTÉ as the Fleadh returns to its roots in the town Mullingar Co. Westmeath. By aligning these two brands, we are fulfilling our joint commitment to sustaining and enriching Irish life with a celebration of the Irish language and traditional music”. He went on to say: “Organisers have been working towards this week for the last six years. The two-year setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic has made us even more determined to make sure this is one of the biggest, best and most celebratory Fleadh Cheoils ever!”.

***Some programme highlights include;

Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble, Sharon Shannon, The Bridge Céili Band, Daithí Gormley, Frankie Gavin and Catherine McHugh, Téada, IMAR, Seamus Begley, Sean Keane and Emmet Cahill, Anúna, Kilfenora Céili Band, Damien Mullane, Moxie, Èadaoin, Four Winds, Meitheal Orchestra, The Blackwater, Breaking Trad and The Full Set to name but a few.

The most important events on the Fleadh line-up are the 150 competitions where people from all over the world compete through music, song, dance and Comhrá Gaeilge. For more information about the concerts or to buy tickets visit fleadhcheoil.ie/events. The event will feature two ‘Gig Rigs’ in the town, lots of street performances and cultural events in various venues throughout the town including Scoil Éigse, a school that provides workshops, lectures and sessions during the week of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

***About Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 

• Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann The world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance is making its return after a two-year hiatus and is expected to draw nearly half a million visitors.
• Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will take place in Mullingar from 31st July – 8th August 2022.
• Thousands of people are expected to visit Mullingar and its surroundings for the important Irish culture event.
• 2022 is a true homecoming celebration for Mullingar as it’s the town where Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in 1951.
• The event is organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and will be hosted in Mullingar by the local Fleadh Executive Committee with the association of Westmeath County Council.
• Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is kindly supported by Fáilte Ireland and Hidden Heartlands who promote the infinite variety of things to do for all ages in the heart of Ireland. With Mullingar being at the centre of this unique location, organisers of the Fleadh are encouraging guests to take in some of the sites while in Westmeath for the celebrations.

#TheHomecoming #Fleadh22

The Main Stage is set for Friday nights in the summer on RTÉ One. 
The first programme features Lyra, Rejjie Snow, Villagers, Cormac Begley,Mark Feehily and DJ John Gibbons. 

Watch here: https://youtu.be/-AZqgDdBfRo

RnB singer songwriter and singer Erica-Cody joins forces with Danny O’Reilly, lead singer with The Coronas to host The Main Stage a new music show for Friday nights on RTÉ One featuring live studio performances, interviews and general craic, celebrating a feast of Irish artists and unique collaborations from the worlds of Rock, Folk, Trad and RnB.
The show will be a musical mash up with a modern twist featuring a mix of legendary acts as well as some of the hottest new talent on the Irish music scene.

Irish Singer-Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lyra opens the first episode with her hit song Falling.

Rejjie Snow gets the audience on their feet with his hit ‘Bye Polar’and he spoke about the incredible international success he has had in the last number of years, telling Erica and Danny‘Ireland is a small country but the cultural footprint is big’. Rejjie Snow has been on tour with Madonna, Kendrick Lamar and Elton John. Later in the show, Rejjie Snow sings his song 23.

Villagers perform their incredible song The First Dayand later in the show they sing another hit Momentarily from their album Fever Dreams.

Lyra and Mark Feehily perform a very special duet together. This is the first time these two artists  have performed together and delivered a hair raising version of Easy On Me.
The night‘s outstanding line up continues with Cormac Begley on the concertina with Stephanie Keane dancing.

Dance hitmaker John Gibbons and powerhouse Lyra close the show witha pumping, exhilarating cover of Stevie Nicks’ eighties-anthem ‘Edge Of Seventeen’.

Acts in episode 2 – 6 include (in alphabetic order)
Belters Only & Jazzy, Damien Dempsey & Pauline Scanlon, Erica-Cody, Farah Elle, Gabrielle Aplin, Gavin James, Jafaris & Carrie Baxter, James Vincent McMorrow –Including one number w/ Theodora Byrne Ensemble choir, Mick Flannery & Susan O’Neil , Mundy, Narolane – group of Denise Chaila with Murli and God Knows, Róisín O, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Shobsy, Soda Blonde, Soulé, The Coronas, The Puro (New band from Noel Hogan from the Cranberries – new single with Mell Peck), The Scratch, The Stunning, Tolu Makay, Wild Youth, Wyvern Lingo.

The Main Stage airs every Friday for 6 weeks from the 1^st of July on RTÉ One.
The Main Stage will be available on-demand on RTÉ Player.
#TheMainStage

RTÉ continues to champion Women’s Sport with historic first ever broadcast of UEFA Euros ​

– All 31 games to be broadcast live

– Pundits to include Vera Pauw, Stephanie Roche, Louise Quinn, Niamh Fahey, Lisa Fallon, Meghan Campbell, Richie Sadlier, & Kevin Doyle

RTÉ is the home of women’s soccer this July, with the live broadcast of all 31 games of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 – a first for Irish primetime television – continuing RTÉ’s commitment to women’s sport.

Expert panelists including Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw, current Ireland Internationals Stephanie Roche, Louise Quinn, and Niamh Fahey, renowned coach and former player Lisa Fallon, as well as former players Richie Sadlier and Kevin Doyle will be providing analysis on the games throughout the tournament. Aine O’Gorman – who has 112 caps for the Republic of Ireland, Liverpool and Rep of Ireland’s Megan Campbell, and Shelbourne and Rep of Ireland player Chloe Mustaki are also joining the punditry panel for analysis across the games in July.

RTÉ will broadcast all games – with 27 matches live and exclusive on RTÉ2, with 4 simultaneous group games on the RTÉ News Channel and the RTÉ Player – continuing the broadcaster’s dedication to championing women’s sport. As well as this summer’s Euro coverage, RTÉ Sport this week announced that all of the Republic of Ireland’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 qualifiers will have been shown live on RTÉ. RTÉ Player coverage of all the games will also be available worldwide.

RTÉ Sport’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Skin in the Game campaign focusses on members of the up-and-coming U17 and U19 Republic of Ireland squads, and centres on their aspirations to make it to the Euros of the future.​The campaign was created in collaboration with RTÉ, the FAI and Ponder films. Directed by Darragh Carey, it was filmed in FAI headquarters, and at the Sports Ireland Campus.

In 2021, RTÉ Sport achieved its 30% target for female presenters on sports coverage across television. For the upcoming Euros, Jacqui Hurley, Peter Collins, Clare MacNamara, and Marie Crowe will be at the helm in RTÉ studios throughout the tournament.

Pundit Lisa Fallon, one of Ireland’s leading coaches who has enjoyed an illustrious career on and off the sidelines, previously made history by becoming the first female pundit to appear on RTÉ’s coverage of the Irish men’s team and on a Champions League and as co-commentator on a League of Ireland game.

Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ: “Euro 2022 is the central focus for a summer tournament in 2022, and places women’s sport at the very heart of global sporting attention. As part of our ongoing commitment to increase the visibility of women’s sport, we are delighted to carry every game and showcase the very best of female sporting talent.”

Jacqui Hurley, RTÉ Sport Presenter, said: “I’m really excited to be part of another major tournament on RTÉ this summer. I think particularly for young girls, these championships could have a major impact on how they see the world of sport, and it’s important that the national broadcaster has a role in that. I hope the young soccer stars watching see this tournament as their ‘Can See, Can Be’ moment.”

Hosted by England, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 takes place from July 6th to 31st, kicking off with England V Austria on July 6th from Manchester’s Old Trafford. The Netherlands are the defending champions, and Northern Ireland will participate in the competition for the first time ever this July, with their first game on July 7th V Norway in Southhampton.

Watch every #WEURO2022 match on @RTÉSport from July 6th @FAireland @weuro2022 #RTEskininthegame

Let’s Find Out, RTEjr’s children’s science entertainment series, has picked up two prestigious international awards. The stop.watch production received an award for scientific merit at the SCINEMA International Film Festival, presented by the Royal Institution of Australia. SCINEMA is the largest science film festival in the southern hemisphere. It was also handed an industry award for Best Educational Media at the Raw Science Film Festival. Taking place in Costa Rica, RSFF brings together people across science, technology, entertainment and media to showcase best in class film from around the globe.

Starring Grainne Bleasdale (Aifric, Ros na Rún), Mark Langtry and Amy Hassett, Let’s Find Out follows the crew of the spaceship Curiosity, alien Zoom and her crew of human scientists, as they answer some of the Earth’s most fascinating questions.

Speaking about the awards, stop.watch founder and series director, Tom Johnson said, “Let’s Find Out really is a labour of love for all involved, as we try to bring science to life for Irish children. Our only tools are creativity, imagination and as many big explosions as possible!”

The show’s commissioner at RTÉ, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content Suzanne Kelly, added, “this wonderful series continues to evolve, educate and entertain through the medium of science. It is the quintessential mix of science education and entertainment and, in presenters Mark Langtry and Amy Hassett, stop.watch television have cast the most engaging science communicators.”

Let’s Find Out was produced with the support of Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme, which aims to empower and inspire public engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths).

UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 kicks off on July 6th, and RTÉ Sport have today released a new promo and full fixtures list ahead of the tournament. Sixteen teams have qualified, and RTÉ will broadcast all 31 games – 27 matches live and exclusive on RTÉ2, with 4 simultaneous group games on the RTÉ News Channel and the RTÉ Player.

Hosted by England, The Netherlands are the defending champions, and Northern Ireland will participate in the competition for the first time.

The promo entitled We’ve Got Skin in the Game focusses on members of the up-and-coming U17 and U19 Republic of Ireland squads, and centres on their aspirations to make it to the Euros of the future.​The campaign was created in collaboration with RTÉ, the FAI and Ponder films. Directed by Darragh Carey, it was filmed in FAI headquarters, and at the Sports Ireland Campus.

Featuring voiceovers from players Eve Dossen, Maria Reynolds, Jessie Stapleton, and Abbie Larkin, the players explain the importance of the tournament, and the possibilities that it may lead to – that while Ireland may not be there, our women’s squads still have skin in the game during this year’s event.

Jon Williams, Managing Director, RTÉ News & Current Affairs has confirmed today, (21 June 2022) that he will leave RTÉ at the end of July.

In a note to staff today he said:

“In 2017, we faced significant challenges and set out to future-proof RTÉ News & Current Affairs, identifying three editorial priorities: to become a genuinely ‘digital-first’ news organisation; to deliver more regional content; and to work more closely as ‘one News and Current Affairs’ division. Fast forward five years, and last week’s Reuters Digital News Report demonstrated that, today, not only is RTÉ the most trusted news source in Ireland, but RTÉ News is also the clear market leader online, while cementing its place as the number one choice on radio and TV.

We’ve gained new, younger audiences by creating and curating different types of content for social platforms. We’ve strengthened our weekend evening bulletins – frequently the most watched of any RTÉ programmes – with an increased presence outside Dublin. And whether it’s RTÉ Investigates, our recent deployment to Ukraine and the work on climate change, today the newsroom and current affairs are working more closely together than ever.

RTÉ News & Current Affairs was Ireland’s lifeline during the pandemic, with our trusted team providing the antidote to the fake news of anti-vaxers. We brought innovation to our coverage of the 2020 General Election. Our reporting of Brexit continues to be indispensable to many, not just in Ireland but across Europe – and in Britain too. We were on the ground as Russian troops crossed into Ukraine, reporting on the humanitarian crisis there, and here. Ní hamháin i mBéarla ach i nGaeilge freisin, rud a léirionn an rói tablachtach a bhíonn ag foireann Baile na hAbhann gach lá, ag bailiú nuachta i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge. RTÉ News is the first Irish news organisation to be independently audited as part of the Journalism Trust Initiative and awarded the European standard for trusted journalism. And we’ve worked with the NUJ, and others to ensure that RTÉ’s journalists are safer as they go about their work – whether the threat is online or outside.

We’re in the process of doubling RTÉ’s footprint overseas and we’ve begun to become a more diverse news organisation, on air and off. I’m proud that the Six One News was the first news programme in Ireland to be presented by two women – only broken-hearted that Keelin didn’t get longer to enjoy her success.

Nine years after I left London for New York and then Ireland, it’s time to go home. I chose to stay in Dublin during the pandemic, alone and unable to see those I love for long periods of time. I don’t mind admitting that I found that hard – and like so many others, it forced me to reassess my priorities and to prize family. 

I’m grateful to so many people in the field, in the control room, in Dublin, across Ireland and beyond. The truth matters. Ireland is a better place for RTÉ. We stand on the shoulders of giants and to have had the opportunity to lead RTÉ News and Current Affairs has been the greatest privilege. I’m proud – and grateful beyond measure – for all that we have achieved together. I know RTÉ News and Current Affairs will continue to do great work. And know that I will be cheering you on from afar.”

Dee Forbes, Director General, RTÉ paid tribute to Jon:

“I would like to thank Jon Williams for the passion and dedication to journalism that he has brought to his role since day one. He has also been a hugely valued member of the RTÉ’s executive board and on behalf of the wider organisation I want to thank him for his contribution to RTÉ during his five and half years. As Jon returns to the UK to spend time with his family, he can do so in the knowledge that he has left a strong legacy.” 

Today’s RTÉ Weather bulletin following the One O’Clock News saw weather presenter Helen Curran transformed into a Minecraft version of herself along with the Weather Map of Ireland.

To celebrate the first-of-its-kind broadcast of the Minecraft children’s competition esports final, ‘Ireland’s Future is MINE’, the RTÉ Weather bulletin was also interrupted with a special guest appearance by Irish Minecraft superstar RoPo*.

Watch RTÉ Weather presenter Helen Curran here:

Ireland’s Future is MINE TV final is the culmination of an All-Ireland digital competition by RTÉjr & Microsoft’s Dream Space which saw Irish schoolchildren re-imagine an Ireland of the future using Minecraft Education Edition.

The final TV programme sees teams aged 7-12 from Moyvore National School in County Westmeath, and St. Hugh’s National School in Dowra, County Leitrim go head-to-head.

The final is hosted by well-known RTÉ Young People’s Presenters John Sharpson (Home School Hub; Bright Sparks) and Mary Claire Fitzpatrick (Ace My Space; Martin’s Shed) and has a stellar judging panel, with Irish YouTube & TikTok Minecraft superstars RoPo & Classic Reilly on hand to keep a watchful eye on the two skillful teams as they battle it out in the unique Arena.

Ireland’s Future is MINE airs on RTÉ2, RTÉjr and RTÉ Player at 5pm today (Thursday) and available on catch up.

Notes: 

* Ronan Power, aka RoPo, is an Irish YouTuber and member of the ‘Little’ club – the hugely popular Minecraft content creators. Ronan has 1.75 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, The Mine Vengers. He is one of the judges on Ireland’s Future is MINE