Tonight’s Late Late Eurosong Special to determine this year’s Irish entry in May

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On tonight’s Late Late Show…

Ireland’s chances of victory at Eurovision 2025 will take centre stage tonight on the Late Late Show Eurosong Special, where Ireland’s six hopefuls will battle it out to represent in Basel, Switzerland in May at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest.

Viewers at home will have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favourite song and help decide who will represent Ireland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The winner of tonight’s Eurosong will then perform at the Eurovision Song Contest, in front of an audience of over 160 million people worldwide.

The winner will be chosen by a combination of a National Jury, an International Jury, and the Public Vote.

The Eurosong competing acts are:
Bobbi Arlo performing Powerplay
Reylta performingFire
Adgy performing Run into the Night
EMMY performing (Laika Party)
Samantha Mumba performing My Way
NIYL performingGrowth

Each artist will perform their song live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player tonight, all selected from hundreds of entries received by RTÉ following a callout for submissions last year. Last autumn, RTÉ issued a calloutfor artists and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment.
Host of The Late Late Show Eurosong Special, Patrick Kielty said:  I’m really looking forward to tonight’s line up. I met them yesterday and they’re all just buzzing to get out there and do their stuff. We’ve a great mix of songs and the costumes and props are fab. All six acts are really bringing it. It’s gonna be a great night with hopefully a brilliant song heading to Switzerland later this year. 

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be held in St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland after Nemo took home the trophy for Switzerland in 2024. The Eurovision Semi-Finals will take place on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May with the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final taking place on Saturday 17 May.

Tonight’s chosen Eurosong winner will go on to represent Ireland at the second semi-final on Thursday 15 May.

-ENDS-

Date: Friday 7 January, 2025

For more information: 
Rayna Connery Head of Media for the Irish Delegation | 087 986 2902 | rayna.connery@rte.ie
Jilly McDonough Communications Lead | 087 170 2787 | jilly.mcdonough@rte.ie

Notes to the Editor:
PHOTOS: Photos of the six acts and Patrick Kielty on set today **EMBARGOED UNTIL 6AM FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH**
Download here.
Photography credit: Andres Poveda

Sweden now shares the record for most Eurovision wins together with Ireland – with a tally of seven victories at the contest. Ireland first entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965. Ireland famously won 4 out of 5 contests in the 1990s and became the first country to win 3 times in a row.

Ireland’s Eurovision Winners: 
– Dana All Kinds of Everything -1970
– Johnny Logan What’s Another Year -1980
– Johnny Logan Hold Me Now – 1987
– Linda Martin Why Me? -1992
– Niamh Kavanagh In Your Eyes -1993
– Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan Rock n Roll Kids -1994
– Eimear Quinn The Voice -1996

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2015/0520/702497-irelands-eurovision-contestants/

The Late Late Eurosong Special, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Friday, February 7th at 9:35PM

For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
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“Powerplay”
Performer: Bobbi Arlo

Bobbi’s sound is vibrant and enigmatic, drawing inspiration from artists like Shygirl and Sega Bodega, blending club-ready beats with deeply personal, soul-baring lyrics. In a short time, she has captured the attention of the Irish music scene, earning notable support from streaming platforms and even a place on Irish sensation Niall Horan’s personal playlist. Her songwriting is unique and passionate, with her anthemic track “Feel It” which was nominated for RTÉ Song of the Year at the prestigious Choice Music Awards.

Beyond this, Bobbi has sold-out shows in Dublin, received widespread airplay, and graced the stage at key festivals, including Spain’s Primavera. In 2024, her rising prominence was further cemented when she was named Gay Times & Coca-Cola Artist of the Year. This honour led to performances at numerous festivals across the UK and Ireland, solidifying her place as one of the most exciting emerging artists in the scene.

“Fire”
Performer: Reylta

Reylta is a captivating singer-songwriter hailing from rural Ireland, whose music blends bittersweet melodies with a layered, alternative edge. Rooted deeply in Irish tradition and heritage—from its poetic legacy to its evocative landscapes and rich storytelling—her work paints a hauntingly unique perspective. Reylta’s poetic lyrics, lush string arrangements, and evocative harmonies create a soundscape that is both intimate and transcendent.
Performing with her band since 2017, Reylta released her debut single, “Fools Games,” in 2019. Her much-anticipated debut album, Everything Unsaved Will Be Lost, launched last October to critical acclaim, with the Irish Independent naming her “Galway’s Alt Folk Queen.”

“Run into the Night”
Performer: ADGY

Adgy is making a bold return with a fresh sound and a mission to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2025. His new single, Run into the Night, is a Celtic pop anthem written by Adgy and produced by Eurovision legend Ivan Klymenko (Kalush – Stefania, ESC 2022 winner). The Donegal-born singer-songwriter performed on Eurosong 2023 with his track “Too Good For Your Love”, and since then has taken some time to develop his music and grow as an artist.

After Eurosong 2023, he went traveling and eventually made his way back to London, where he has been writing music for the past year. A prolific songwriter with over 12 million streams, a deal with Universal Music Group, and a publishing deal with Spirit BMG under his belt, Adgy draws inspiration from his roots in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
“LAIKA Party”
Performer: Emmy

EMMY is a 24-year-old Norwegian singer-songwriter. She was born and raised in a family that loves music and has been singing her whole life. When she was seven, she started making her own songs, both alone and with her brother, who is also a singer-songwriter.

Her career got a kick-start in 2015 when she, as a 15-year-old, participated in Melodi Grand Prix Junior, one of the biggest music competitions in her country, for children. Six years later, in 2021, she participated in Melodi Grand Prix, Norway’s national selection of a song for Eurovision Song Contest. The song she performed was Witch Woods.

Today, she is especially known for singing on TikTok, and has a profile with 1.2 million followers, from around the world. She has also been working with big artist producers, such as K-391 and Braaheim.

In 2024, she was in Los Angeles, Latvia and France taking part in songwriting sessions. Emmy is also a freelance graphic designer.

“My Way”
Performer: Samantha Mumba

Samantha Mumba is a distinguished Irish singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress who ascended to international acclaim at the remarkable age of 17 with her debut single, Gotta Tell You. The song became a global phenomenon, achieving top five positions in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her eponymous debut album sold over 4 million copies worldwide, establishing her as a formidable presence in the music industry.

Expanding her creative horizons, Mumba transitioned seamlessly into acting, earning accolades for her performances in a range of compelling films. She starred in The Time Machine, a sci-fi epic opposite Guy Pearce; Spin the Bottle, a charming Irish romantic comedy; Shifter, a gripping horror thriller; and Johnny Was, where she shared the screen with Eriq La Salle.

In 2024, Samantha continues to captivate audiences with a recurring role as Paula Kenny in the fourth season of the acclaimed BBC/Acorn TV series Harry Wild, acting alongside Jane Seymour and Rohan Nedd. Her talents also extend to voice acting, with her portrayal of Jules in Queen Latifah’s Audible series Technically Speaking.

With a career marked by versatility, artistry, and enduring appeal, Samantha Mumba remains an influential figure whose work transcends genres and mediums, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and her global audience.

“Growth”
Performer: NIYL

NIYL is a Limerick born artist who mixes a unique blend of emotionally fuelled vocals with an electronic sound to deliver a powerful, cinematic; original works. Inspired by artists including London Grammar, Woodkid and Yebba, NIYL has ambitions to establish a new sound within the Irish music industry. A lyricist who draws inspiration from his upbringing in the west of Ireland and the dramatic landscapes of the coast,  NIYL writes as a means of catharsis, channelling emotions through word and song.

NIYL’s ambition is to shed light on the challenges and thrills that come with being ‘queer in the county’. As a queer Irish artist, NIYL’s songs look to amplify queer culture in the Irish music industry with his music. NIYL is currently in the midst of releasing his debut album Parish Is Burning which is being released across 2025. With three releases already published, NIYL has received national recognition from publications including RTE 2FM, Today FM, Hotpress, Extra.ie, The Irish Independent and Irish Examiner.

As a solo artist, NIYL has joined the National Geographic Concert Orchestra as a lead vocalist for their award winning Symphony for our World and has performed as a headline act at Irish festivals Doolin Folk Fest, Live on Air and Go Tobann. Overseas, in 2018 NIYL joined Tony winning songstress Cynthia Erivo for a week-long residency in St. James’s Theatre, London – performing the works of composer Scott Alan. As a backing vocalist NIYL has performed alongside many internationally acclaimed artists including Rufus Wainwright and Dermot Kennedy.

LATEST JNLR RTÉ LISTENERSHIP FIGURES RELEASED

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  • RTÉ radio services are the most listened to in Ireland for All Adults at 29.6% share and deliver strong growth in younger audiences
  • RTÉ radio services reach over 2 million Adults 15+ every week
  • Strong share growth for 15-34s across RTÉ Radio 1, 2fm, lyric fm and RnaG
  • RTÉ Radio 1 remains the only station with a weekly reach of over +1 million/ 32.2% (1,387,000, + 24,000 YoY)
  • RTÉ 2FM is the most popular radio station in the country for 15 to 34-year-olds
The latest JNLR listenership figures show that RTÉ’s radio services reach over 2 million adults with RTÉ holding 18 of the top 20 radio programmes in Ireland.

Speaking on the latest figures, Patricia Monahan, Director of Audio, RTÉ said:  “This is a great result for RTÉ positioning us as the most listened to radio group in Ireland and demonstrating the reach and relevance of our services to Irish audiences.

RTÉ Radio 1 now reaches 1.3 million listeners every week with gains of 24,000 listeners year-on-year. RTÉ 2FM has a weekly reach of 769,000, an increase of 29,000 listeners year-on-year. RTÉ lyric fm now reaches 323,000 listeners every week. 

We are privileged that so many people choose to engage with our stations and are particularly delighted to welcome an increase in 15 to 34-year-old listeners across all our services. RTÉ Radio 1 remains the most popular station in Ireland with audience gains throughout the day and weekend, 2fm is now the leading station for 15 to 34-year-olds and we will continue to deliver engaging and entertaining content for that audience as we bring our new 2FM schedule to air in the coming weeks. Meanwhile on lyric fm the combination of new voices and lyric fm stalwarts is clearly resonating with audience as it continues to grow.”

RTÉ Radio 1  
RTÉ Radio 1 reaches 1,387,000 listeners weekly (+24,000 YoY)

  • Morning Ireland remains Ireland’s most listened to radio programme with 466,000 listeners this book (+1,000 BoB).
  • Oliver Callan airing 9-10am Monday-Friday has 349,000 listeners each day (+11,000 BoB).
  • Today with Claire Byrne has 349,000 listeners tuning in every weekday from 10am-12noon (+7,000 BoB).
  • The Louise Duffy Show has 228,000 listeners (+5,000 BoB/ +14,000 YoY) tuning in for great music.
  • News at One has 307,000 listeners (+5,000 BoB).
  • Liveline with Joe Duffy has a listenership of 314,000 (+7,000 BoB/ +11,000 YoY).
  • The Ray D’Arcy Show weekday afternoons on RTÉ Radio 1 has 194,000 listeners (+6,000 BoB/ +8,000 YoY).
  • Drivetime has 226,000 listeners tuning in each evening (+5,000 BoB/ +5,000 YoY).
  • Showcasing the biggest gains on an RTÉ radio show Brendan O’Connor on Saturday has 358,000 listeners (+16,000 BoB/ +16,000 YOY), with 366,000 listeners tuning in on Sunday (+27,000 BoB/ +23,000 YoY).
  • Playback on Saturday has 319,000 listeners (+1,000 BoB).
  • The Business on Saturday mornings has 328,000 listeners (+15,000 YoY).
  • Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin has 219,000 listeners.
  • Saturday Sport/Doc On One from 2-6pm on RTÉ Radio 1 has 221,000 listeners. (+,17000 YoY) and Sunday Sport has 202,000 listeners).
  • Sunday Miscellany has 271,000 listeners.
  • Sunday with Miriam has 304,000 listeners (+4,000 BoB/ +12,000 YoY).
  • This Week has 197,000 listeners on Sunday (+9,000 BoB)
  • Arena has 48,000 listeners every weekday.
  • The John Creedon Show has 61,000 listeners on weeknights (+2,000 BoB).
Peter Woods, Head of RTÉ Radio 1 said:  “This is an outstanding book for RTÉ Radio 1. Our afternoons have stabilised and are climbing again. Our music programmes are performing exceptionally as are our weekends. This is about the trust of listeners and delivering to them on a consistent basis.”

RTÉ 2FM   
Renowned for discovering and nurturing household names in Irish broadcasting, RTÉ 2FM is proud to be the most popular station in the country for 15 to 34-year-olds. The new daytime and weekend schedules will roll out later this month and 2FM are looking forward to bringing fresh energy, diverse voices and entertaining content to listeners, continuing the station’s legacy of shaping the future of broadcasting.

RTÉ 2FM is the most popular radio station in the country for 15 to 34-year-olds. Among 15-34s, YoY share has increased for 2fm – now 12.1% versus 11.7% YoY.

  • Waking up the nation 2FM Breakfast has 152,000 listeners tuning in on weekday mornings (+10,000 BoB)
  • Bringing her infectious energy to the airwaves Laura Fox on 2FM has 131,000 listeners to her 9-12pm show.
  • The ever-popular Tracy Clifford has 117,000 listeners enjoying the best of Irish music and the home of RTÉ2FM Rising (+4,000 YoY).
  • Taking listeners home 2FM Drive continues to entertain listeners across the country on their evening commute with 145,000 listeners.
  • Game On has 50,000 listeners tuning in weeknights (+18,000 YoY).
  • Weekend on 2FM with Bláthnaid Treacy on Saturdays has 155,000 listeners (+34,000 YoY), and Sunday 141,000 (+25,000 YoY).
  • Aindriú & Taran/ Roz and Emma on 2FM has 122,000 listeners on Saturdays and 111,000 listeners on Sundays (+2,000 BoB/ +6,000 YoY)
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, said: “2FM has consolidated its listenership over the past three months with strong performances throughout the day . Also some stunning weekend numbers, particularly Bláthnaid Treacy, who continues to make Saturday and Sunday mornings her own.

The team both on and off air have worked hard to bring the best Irish music and content for our listeners, so much so, that 2FM is now the most listened to station in Ireland for 15 to 34- years-olds.

What a great platform and momentum we now have to build our new schedule from. With Carl Mullan, Aisling Bonnar and Roz Purcell at breakfast, Laura Fox on mornings, Tracy Clifford in the afternoon and Doireann Garrihy at drive,  2FM’s weekday schedule is full of brilliant radio presenters.

As for radio presenters, our four new recruits from 2FM’s hugely successful public service media initiative to find the next generation of talented broadcasters produced Helen Galgey, Benny Bracken, Demi Isaac and Mikey O’ Reilly. All four have learnt their craft on local radio in Dublin , Cork and the regionals and are now set for the next phase of their radio careers.

In the meantime, we are looking forward to The RTÉ Choice Music Prize in early March and congratulations to Cian DuCrot on his Grammy win this week. Cian was last year’s winner of The RTÉ Choice Song Of The Year for his song Heaven.  Finally, and most importantly we what to thank the audience for their loyal listening.”

RTÉ lyric fm   
RTÉ lyric fm reaches 323,000 listeners on a weekly basis (+1,000 YoY).

  • With his highest JNLR figures to date Marty in the Morning has 71,000 listeners (+3,000 BoB/15,000 YoY) tuning in every weekday morning.
  • Aedín Gormley’s Movies and Musicals every Saturday afternoon has 53,000 listeners.
  • Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney has 63,000 listeners (+1,000 BoB/ +21,000 YoY).
  • Niall Carroll’s Classical Drivetime on weekdays has 45,000 listeners.
  • Liz Nolan’s The Full Score/ Aedín in the Afternoon (Friday) have 46,000 listeners.
  • Lorcan Murray’s Classic Drive takes 54,000 listeners into the evening each weekday (+4,000 BoB).
  • The Mystery Train with John Kelly (Mon-Thurs)/ RTÉ lyric Live with RTÉ lyric Live (Fri) has 30,000 listeners (+11,000 YoY).
  • Evonne Ferguson’s Daybreak has 40,000 listeners (+4,000 YoY) on Saturday mornings.
  • Claudia Boyle’s Weekend Classics has 44,000 listeners on Saturdays and 40,000 listeners on Sundays (+11,000 YoY)
  • The Hamilton Scores with George Hamilton has 47,000 listeners on Saturdays and 51,000 (+10,000 YoY) on Sundays.
Sinéad Wylde, Head of RTÉ lyric fm, said:  “Success of the mornings on Marty in the Morning continues with an additional 15,000 new listeners joining the show over the last year in what is a highly competitive slot. Marty Whelan shines and starts the day lightly with his good humour setting the tone along with his unique mix of music, fun and chat.

New voices who have joined RTÉ lyric over the last year, enhancing our weekend schedule, have also seen great success with Claudia Boyle’s Weekend Classics and Simon Delaney’s Sunday Afternoon programmes gaining of 11,000 and 21,000 new listeners on each show.”

 -ENDS-

Date: Thursday February 6th 2025

RTÉ Communications:  Maureen Catterson and Rayna Connery

Notes to editor:  
In sourcing the current dataset and relevant comparable periods, the following wording should be used:

Book-on-Book (BoB) = Source: JNLR/ Ipsos MRBI 2024-4 vs. 2024-3.
Year-on-year (YoY) = Source: JNLR/Ipsos MRBI 2024-4 vs. 2023-4.

Eurovision Royalty to join the Late Late Eurosong Special this Friday Night

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Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!

This Friday night Eurovision royalty Linda Martin, Niamh Kavanagh and Eimear Quinn will come together for the first time to perform on The Late Late Show Eurosong Special. This Eurovision Holy Trinity will perform Loreen’s Tattoo, hoping their rendition of Sweden’s winning song in 2023 will channel winner’s energy.

Joining Patrick will be the act that gave Ireland its highest-ranking position at Eurovision since 2000, Bambie Thug. Bambie will give their feedback on the six acts hoping to take Ireland to the Eurovision Song Contest Final in Basel, Switzerland this May. Joining Bambie on the panel will be Donal Skehan, a former Eurosong contestant in 2008. Donal, a self-confessed fan, will be ‘double crossing his heart’ that one of our six finalists will get out of the semi-final and make it Ireland’s eighth win. RTÉ 2FM’s Laura Fox will be sharing her opinions on each performance as they happen on the night. Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian takes up the fourth spot on the feedback panel. From the glittering dancefloor to the Late Late Show Eurosong stage, will Arthur be saying ‘j’adore’ to all six performances?

Further details of the show to be announced later this week.

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-

Date: 05 February 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough

Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
Instagram @latelaterte
TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

RTÉ publishes Register of External Activities for Q3 2024 (statistical summary)

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RTÉ is today publishing a statistical summary from the Register of External Activities for the third quarter of 2024.

The RTÉ Register of External Activities (‘the Register’) commenced on 01 February 2024 and the publication for Q3 comprises the months July, August and September 2024.

Statistical summary:

Total Number of approved activities: 177

Breakdown of activities within each payment band:

  • 51%: No Payment/no benefit
  • 27%: €1 – €1,000
  • 20%: €1,001 – €5,000
  • 1-2%: €5,001 – €10,000
  • <1%: Over €10,000

RTÉ Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst said: “Today marks the publication of summary details from the Q3 Register of External Activities across the 5 editorial divisions in RTÉ covered by the register.

The third quarter returns are in keeping with those of Q1 and Q2 where around half of all approved external activities did not involve any payment or benefit. These are events where those working with RTÉ give freely of their time for charitable, sporting, community, academic and social reasons.

This is in keeping with my commitment to ensure RTÉ provides greater transparency around external activities. It was intended to publish greater detail but as RTÉ outlined with the Q1 publication, the Data Protection Commission was firmly of the view that specific legislative authority is required to publish the level of detail originally intended.”

ENDS

For information:

Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | E: neil.ogorman@rte.ie

Other Voices makes its return to RTÉ this Spring with an incredible lineup

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Laura Marling, Lisa O’Neill, James Dean Bradfield, Jacob Alon, Bashy, Morgana and more to feature in Other Voices Series 23 this Spring

RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player | Thursdays from 20 February | 11.00pm

Ireland’s iconic televised music show Other Voices makes its return to RTÉ this February with an all-new season filled with extraordinary performances and conversations filmed in Dingle and West Wales.

Presented by the legendary trio Annie Macmanus, Huw Stephens and MayKay, this brand-new six-part series will shine the spotlight on a stellar line-up of both emerging and established artists from Ireland and beyond, including; Laura Marling, Nubya Garcia, Wunderhorse, James Dean Bradfield, Maverick Sabre, Bashy, Rachael Lavelle, David Murphy, Been Stellar, Jacon Alon, Curtisy, Fionn Regan, Landless, Shiv, Melys, Georgia Ruth, Victor Ray, Charlotte Day Wilson, Fabiana Palladino, Nadine Shah, Bill Ryder-Jones, Morgana and Ellie O’Neill.

The series kicks off on 20 February with a powerful performance from Lisa O’Neill, whose singular voice and incredible storytelling light up the Church of St James in Dingle. She’ll be joined by UK hip-hop legend Bashy, whose first gig outside the UK in 15 years brings the audience to tears. Later in the episode, we’ll hear ethereal art-pop sensation Rachael Lavelle, and from the IMRO Other Room, Cork multi-instrumentalist David Murphy brings the dreamy sounds of the pedal steel guitar.

Episode 2, airing on 27 February, is a special tribute to extraordinary singer-songwriter Laura Marling, showcasing one of the most captivating performances from this year’s series. She sits down with Annie Mac for a heartfelt and honest conversation about motherhood, artistic expression, and her deeply personal new album, Patterns in Repeat. This episode also features a look back at her Other Voices debut at Wilton’s Music Hall in London over a decade ago, providing a moving reflection on the evolution of her music.

Across the rest of the series, Other Voices will showcase standout performances that span a wide array of genres and styles – from the bold, dynamic jazz of Mercury-nominated Nubya Garcia, to the poetic folk of Fionn Regan, and the noisy indie-rock of Wunderhorse.

In Episode 5, we’ll travel to West Wales for captivating highlights from Other Voices Cardigan 2024, featuring Manic Street Preachers frontman James Dean Bradfield, rising neo-soul star Victor Ray, Canadian soul and R&B powerhouse Charlotte Day Wilson, fierce and uncompromising alt-rocker Nadine Shah, former Coral guitarist and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Bill Ryder-Jones, and many more.

Throughout the series, Other Voices continues to celebrate what’s about to happen, with some of Ireland’s brightest new voices – Tallaght rap-maestro and RTÉ Choice Music Prize nominee Curtisy, Meath indie-artist Ellie O’Neill, Irish-Zimbabwean soulful pop-sensation Shiv, and Cork multi-instrumentalist David Murphy take to the IMRO Other Room stage, filmed in the immersive Dingle venue WAVE.

Justin Healy,  Executive Producer, RTÉ said:
“We are delighted to be bringing our audience another series from the iconic Other Voices festival centered around the unique setting of the Church of St James in Dingle. Other Voices, and Dingle itself, continues to attract the very best established and emerging artists from far and wide, offering them the opportunity to perform in a very special location on the edge of Europe”.  

Philip King, founder of Other Voices, reflected on this year’s series:
“This year Other Voices played host to a brilliant lineup of exceptional artists, singers and songwriters. From the beautiful Church of St James on the main street in Dingle to St Mary’s Church in Cardigan in West Wales, it is a delight to share these performances with you.”

Other Voices presenter MayKay added:
“The giddy lead up to Dingle is like nothing else, for us and for punters as well. You know you’re about to go through every emotion under the sun and come out the other side of it with another part of your heart healed, if also a bit exhausted! Those moments came most notably this year from Bashy, Lisa O’Neill and the exceptional Jacon Alon. Can’t wait for everyone to see these performances!”

Other Voices begins on Thursday 20 February at 11pm on RTÉ2 and will be available on the RTÉ Player.

-ENDS-

Notes to the Editor:

Other Voices was produced for RTÉ by South Wind Blows and was made possible thanks to the support of Reed, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Kerry County Council and IMRO Ireland.

Images available below: https://we.tl/t-Bve1RVADs0

Photographer credit: Rich Gilligan

Other Voices Series 23 | Full Lineup:

Lisa O’Neill, Bashy, Rachael Lavelle & David Murphy
Episode 1 (Thu 20 February at 11pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

Laura Marling Special
Episode 2 (Thu 27 February at 11pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

Nubya Garcia, Been Stellar, Jacob Alon & Curtisy
Episode 3 (Thu 6 March at 11:00pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

Wunderhorse, Fionn Regan, Landless & Shiv
Episode 4 (Thu 13 March at 11:30pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

James Dean Bradfield, Melys, Georgia Ruth, Victor Ray, Charlotte Day Wilson, Fabiana Palladino, Nadine Shah & Bill Ryder-Jones
Episode 5 (Thu 20 March at 11pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

Maverick Sabre, Morgana & Ellie O’Neill
Episode 6 (Thu 27 March at 11pm on RTÉ2)
Available worldwide on the RTÉ Player

For further information contact:

RTÉ Communications: Sharon Sorohan

South Wind Blows Marketing: Amy O’Brien

RTÉ Internship Programme 2025 – Applications Now Open

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We’re thrilled to announce that applications for the 2025 RTÉ Internship Programme are now open.

📌 Apply now via: RTÉ Vacancies

This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about media to kickstart their careers.

Join Our Webinars

We’ll be hosting informational webinars in both English and Irish, covering key details about the internship, the application process, and exciting updates to the programme.

These 45-minute sessions will include a Q&A segment at the end, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and learn more.

📅 Webinar Schedule:

Thursday, 6th February @1PM (with ISL interpretation) – Register Here
Thursday, 6th February @6PM – Register Here
Monday, 10th February @1PM (In Irish / As Gaeilge) – Register Here
Tuesday, 11th February @1PM (RTÉ Sport-specific webinar with Jacqui Hurley) – Register Here

WATCH our Content Creation webinar as Gaeilge here.

WATCH our Content Creation webinar in English here. 

📅 Key Dates

Application Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 16th February 2025
Assessment Days (Dublin, in person): Monday 31st March 2025
Follow-up Online Chat: Tuesday 1st April 2025

For more details and to apply, visit rte.ie/vacancies.

Jack Woolley tops the Dancing with the Stars leaderboard in Dedicated Dance Week

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Jack Woolley topped the leaderboard in what was an emotional night on Dancing with the Stars, as the remaining nine couples took to the floor for Dedicated Dance Week.

No couple were eliminated from the show this evening, so all couples will dance again next Sunday. Jack Woolley and his pro partner Alex Vladimirov will be exempt from next week’s elimination however, as their American Smooth saw them achieve the highest combined vote between the judges scores and the public vote.

The first celebrity to dance tonight was the Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan. They danced an energetic Jive to Gold Dust by DJ Fresh in honour of Rhys’ coach Luke Carson. Luke has coached Rhys throughout his career and helped him to achieve his lifelong dream of winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Judge Loraine Barry said: “You are a dream dancer. Lots of challenges to be the best, and to have the best jive it’s challenging… the rhythm, the kicks and the energy that you need. A brilliant, brilliant opening!”

Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “You set the energy so high and you bursted with charisma. Let’s talk about the moonwalk in the jive, seriously! You sprinkled a little bit of gold dust on the dancefloor.”

Rhys and Laura scored a total of 33 points. 

Next up, Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly and her dance partner Maciej Zieba danced a Tango to Dreams by The Cranberries. Joanna has spoken openly about her struggles with fertility and her IVF journey in the past and about Pomegranate, the former charity she set up to help couples who were in a similar position to her but couldn’t afford the treatment. Tonight, her dance was dedicated to one of these couples.

An emotional Arthur said: “It truly touched me. I can relate to your story. I can’t even talk. You made me remember to keep believing and keep dreaming and that anything is possible.”

Judge Brian Redmond said: “I think that’s the best I’ve seen you dance. There’s no doubt about it, you are improving every week. Well done.”

Judge Karen Byrne said: “I’m sure Noah and all of the families that you’ve helped would be so proud. It was beautiful.”

Joanna and Maciej scored a total of 24 points. 

Actress Yasmin Seky and her partner Simone Arena performed the first Rumba of the season to Halo by Beyoncé. Yasmin dedicated this dance to her youth club workers, Mary, Phil and Gary, who she credited as the driving force behind encouraging her to pursue a career in performing.

Brian said: “It was a heavenly Rumba. You did the technical things really well, but I’d like you to bring the devil out a little bit more and just go for things.”

Karen said: “The whole of Cabra are buzzing tonight and are super proud of you! You can see how much technique you’ve worked on with Simone. As a Rumba goes it was brilliant.”

Loraine Barry said: “From one Cabra girl to another, well done. The Rumba is a very difficult dance and you’ve absolutely achieved it.”

Arthur said: “It was pure magic and hypnotic! You were like a fish in the water. Bravo!”

Yasmin and Simone scored a total of 29 points. 

Chef Kevin Dundon and his dance partner Rebecca Scott danced a Tango to David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, dedicated to Kevin’s wife Catherine and set to a song from the era when they first met.

Karen said: “Did I see a bit of coordination there? Yes I did! The fact that you were dedicating this your beautiful wife, and the pressure to impress her, it really paid off. You didn’t just impress her, you impressed me as well.”

Loraine said: “I liked that Tango! I liked it so much, I want more! I love you two dancing together.”

Arthur said: “Dedication week really suits you. What a way to celebrate thirty years with your wife.”

Brian said: “I bet you never danced like that in clubs back in the 80’s! You certainly went for it, and you were in time with Rebecca from start to finish, that’s a first. Well done!”

Kevin and Rebecca scored a total of 22 points. 

Former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede and her pro partner Robert Rowiński paid homage to Aishah and her mother’s Nigerian heritage with an African-inspired Samba to Kese (Dance) by Wizkid. Aishah credited her mother Kemi as being the biggest influence in her life and a pillar of support, as Aishah has dealt with sickle cell disease throughout her life.

Loraine judge said: “When you take on the Samba you take on all the rhythms. That wasn’t enough for you, you added in your Nigerian roots. It was wonderful for all of us to see, and to be educated too. A shimmying delight!”

Arthur said: “I loved how you fused your own culture into this dance. You took a moment to educate Robert too, what a delight! It was electrifying.”

Brian said: “It was great to see some of those Nigerian influences. I’d love learn some of them! You created a beautiful lightness.”

Karen said: “The sass on that from the beginning. I think we all wanted to get up and join you. Well done!”

Aishah and Robert scored a total of 31 points. 

Comedian Gearóid Farrelly and his partner Stephen Vincent danced a Paso Doble to Holding Out For a Hero by Bonnie Tyler in honour of Gearód’s own heroes, his parents, Eamon and Deirdre.

Arthur said: “What a powerhouse, what a hero! You commanded the floor. You were passionate and powerful. You really owned this tonight.”

Karen said: “I’ve never smiled and enjoyed a Paso Doble so much. It was like this was the week that you believed in yourself from start to finish.”

Loraine said: “For me you always validate the dance by being so true to it. I really loved it. You’re so in harmony with each other. It really is amazing.”

Gearóid and Stephen scored a total of 28 points. 

Next up, social media star, Kayleigh Trappe and her pro partner, Ervinas Merfeldas danced a Contemporary Ballroom to Brave by Sara Bareilles. Kayleigh dedicated this dance to her four-year-old niece, Fíadh.

Brian said: “I really liked this. You flowed in and out of the lifts with ease.”

Karen said: “Lovely from start to finish. Overall it was a lovely Contemporary Ballroom.”

Loraine said: “Contemporary Ballroom is when you get a free license. You can have lifts, jumps, and you put everything in that. To me you are the brave one tonight. You’re 85% there, 15% percent more. Let it go, you’re nearly there!”

Arthur: “You did it! Tonight, we saw a whole new side to you that I love to see.”

Kayleigh and Ervinas scored a total of 29 points. 

Taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley and his dance partner Alex Vladimirov danced an American Smooth to Grace by The Wolfe Tones. Jack dedicated the dance to his friend and two-time gold medal-winning boxer, Kellie Harrington, inspired by the support shown to him when he suffered a random assault just weeks after his first Olympic appearance in 2021.

Karen said: “When raw emotion and steps come together like that, it’s not just a dance we were looking at, it was like a journey we were all on with you. You were like a feather, floating effortlessly around the room.”

Loraine said: “From start to finish this was truly sublime. Telling the story of the song, through the movement, and the connection. Alex congratulations on the sublime choreography.”

Arthur said: “This American Smooth was truly breathtaking. You were gliding across the dancefloor. This wasn’t just a dance, it was a masterpiece in motion. J’adore!

Brian said: “From the waist up, I have never seen a male celebrity use the flow and the feeling that you’ve created tonight.”

Jack and Alex scored a total of 38 points. 

The final couple to perform was Mrs. Brown’s Boys actor, Danny O’Carroll his pro partner Salome Chachua. They paid tribute to Danny’s father, Brendan with a Mrs. Brown’s Boys inspired Cha-cha-cha to She’s a Lady by Tom Jones. Danny reprised his role as Buster Brady, while Salome stepped into the shoes of Mrs. Brown for one night only.

Loraine said: “You busted your gut out there to get the action. It was so entertaining. Well done!”

Arthur said: “Buster brady is not only a chancer, he’s a dancer now!”

Karen: “You could have gone down the full comedy route and you didn’t. The cha cha itself had loads of content in it. Mrs Brown never looked so sexy!”

Danny and Salome scored a total of 31 points. 

For tonight’s grand finale, the professional dancers performed a showstopping Contemporary Ballroom to Strangers by Lewis Capaldi.

As no couple was eliminated tonight, all of the celebrities will dance again next Sunday.

The glitz, glamour, and nail-biting competition will all unfold as Dancing with the Stars continues on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next Sunday, February 9th at 6:30pm.

–ENDS-  

Date: Sunday February 2nd 2025

Photography credit: Kyran O’Brien

RTÉ Communications: 

Rayna Connery and Éadaoin Nic Giolla Chomhaill

Notes to Editor: 

ABOUT DANCING WITH THE STARS 2025

Filling our Sunday evenings with glitz and glamour from January, the RTÉ One series sees 11 well-known figures team up with a professional dancer to perform a live routine every week. Each pairing will have a different dancing genre to master every week, from the Charleston to hip hop, and they’ll have just seven days to perfect their routine before performing live to the nation.

Each celebrity couple will be scored by an expert panel of four judges and the viewing public at home, with the winning couple claiming the much-coveted glitter ball trophy at the end of the series.

Dancing with the Stars is produced by ShinAwiL for RTÉ.

Dancing with the Stars is proudly sponsored by Hyundai.

You can follow all the action as it unfolds live on the Dancing with the Stars tracker on www.rte.ie/entertainment

For all the latest news and backstage gossip on Dancing with the Stars, keep an eye on our social channels:

Instagram: @RTEOne & @DWTSIrl

TikTok: @RTEOne

Facebook: @RTEOne

Twitter: @RTEOne @DWTSIrl

#DWTSIrl

RTÉ is Supporting 18 Arts and Cultural Events all over Ireland this February

Written by

Watch our promo: RTÉ Supporting the Arts | What’s on

This February, RTÉ is delighted to support Dublin International Film Festival, along with 17 other amazing arts and cultural events all over Ireland spanning theatre, film, art, music, dance, opera, festivals, exhibitions and more.

Dublin International Film Festival will bring the best of Irish and international cinema to the capital for a celebration of storytelling from 20th February to 2nd March. Also in Dublin, the Festival of Youth Orchestras will take place at the National Concert Hall, the Mother Tongues Festival in Tallaght will celebrate the beauty of multilingualism and Ireland’s rich social fabric, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s Wigmore Series will host an array of music performances.

In addition, Scene + Heard: The Festival of New Work returns to Smock Alley Theatre, and IMMA will host a new three-year exhibition from the IMMA collection including works by over 60 renowned artists, ranging from the 1960s to the present day. There’s also lots of theatre to enjoy including Magpie, a gripping tale of brothers at war at Viking Theatre, and Shakespeare’s masterpiece King Lear will take to the stage at the Gate Theatre.

There are several more music and dance events to enjoy around the country. Music for Wexford Spring Season and the Ortús Chamber Music Festival in Cork will present an impressive programme of chamber music concerts featuring both Irish and international musicians. Take Off Festival also returns to Shandon in Cork, with performances of contemporary dance, dabke, and hip hop.

In Limerick, Dance Limerick presents What Next Dance Festival which will gather performers from across Ireland and internationally over six days of discovery and celebration. Tonnta in Galway, brought to life by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, celebrates Galway as Ireland’s only bilingual city by inviting everyone to engage with the Irish language vibrantly and inclusively.

And finally, Ireland Reads is calling on people across Ireland to get lost in a good book on 22nd February and celebrate the joy of reading.

For more information about the amazing events we are supporting this month, check out the websites listed below:

Dublin Wigmore Series Dublin | www.riam.ie/whats-on?category=581

Dublin 29th Festival of Youth Orchestras | www.iayo.ie

Wexford Music for Wexford Spring Season | www.musicforwexford.ie

Louth Drogheda Classical Music 24/25 Series | www.droghedaclassicalmusic.com

Dublin Magpie | www.instagram.com/pigs_back_productions

Dublin/Nationwide Dublin International Film Festival 2025 | www.diff.ie

Dublin Mother Tongues Festival | www.mothertonguesfestival.com

Cork Ortús Chamber Music Festival | www.ortusfestival.ie

Dublin Brigit 2025: Dublin City Celebrating Women | www.dublin.ie/brigit

Nationwide Ireland Reads | www.irelandreads.ie

Limerick What Next Dance Festival | www.dancelimerick.ie

Dublin Scene + Heard: The Festival of New Work | www.sceneandheard.ie

Dublin King Lear | www.gatetheatre.ie/production/king-lear-2025

Cork Take Off Festival | www.dancecorkfirkincrane.ie

Galway Tonnta | www.tonnta.eu

Dublin IMMA Collection: Art as Agency | www.imma.ie

Dublin Abbey 120 years | www.abbeytheatre.ie

Nationwide Irish National Opera | www.irishnationalopera.ie

Every year, RTÉ supports 170 arts and cultural events all over Ireland through the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme. Spanning film, music, dance, opera, festivals, literature, theatre and exhibitions, and with dedicated promotion on RTÉ’s television, radio and digital services, and extensive support across RTÉ’s social channels, the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme is a lifeline to Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors.

To find out more information about RTÉ Supporting the Arts and to apply visit
About RTÉ Supporting the Arts – About RTÉ (rte.ie)

Find out what’s happening near you on www.rte.ie/culture

Mary McAleese, Mary Kennedy, Pat Shortt and Gladiator ‘Cyclone’ among guests on this Friday’s Late Late Show

Written by

Mary McAleese, Mary Kennedy, Pat Shortt and Gladiator ‘Cyclone’ among guests on this Friday’s Late Late Show
With music from The Tumbling Paddies

Here is your host, Patrick Kielty!

This Friday night on The Late Late Show, former President Mary McAleese and former broadcaster Mary Kennedy, and now hosts of The Changing Times podcast, have a lot to say. From their thriving friendship and not retiring, to the state of the world and the upcoming Irish Presidential election, the two Marys will sit down with Patrick to set the world to rights.

Actor and comedian Pat Shortt marks his thirtieth year on our screens in 2025. He joins Patrick to talk about his career highs and to share his memories of the late, great Jon Kenny and their beloved comedy act, D’unbelievables.

Home from the world’s toughest row, Team Power Of 1‘s John O’Driscoll, Conor McCarthy, Daragh Kelly, Enda McNicholas and Roger McMorrow will all join Patrick tomorrow night for a Late Late Show homecoming celebration. In what was a heroic journey that had the country row in behind them, they rowed across the Atlantic Ocean from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain to Antigua. Team Power of 1 were raising funds for children born with congenital heart disease in Ireland in memory of John’s 13-year-old daughter Saoirse, their honorary sixth crew member.

The first ever Irish Gladiator, Cyclone, will also be in studio. From Wexford, Cyclone will be chatting about how she went from being a powerlifting world champion to dominating the Gladiator arena and the reaction to her debut on the hit show.

Fermanagh’s The Tumbling Paddies make their return to The Late Late Show tomorrow night. Bringing their unique Trad/Pop sound, the six-piece band will perform Night on the Town. They’ll also be teaming up with some audience members as their musical knowledge is put to the test in an exciting game known as ‘What the Folk?’

The Late Late Show is proudly sponsored by PTSB.

-ENDS-

Date: 30 January 2025

RTÉ Communications: Jilly McDonough
Notes to Editor:
For more updates follow The Late Late Show online:
Instagram @latelaterte
TikTok: tiktok.com/@latelaterte
Blue Sky: latelateshow.rte.ie
X: @rtelatelateshow
Facebook: facebook.com/thelatelateshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@rtelatelateshow

Statement issued by RTÉ on behalf of the Board of RTÉ

Written by

RTÉ Board Statement

Daire Hickey has written to the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport,  Patrick O’Donovan T.D., to notify him of his resignation from the RTÉ Board. He has served as a member of the RTÉ Board since July 2021.

On behalf of the RTÉ Board, Chair Terence O’Rourke said: “Daire has been a member of the RTÉ Board through some of the most challenging years in the organisation’s history. He has taken the decision now to stand down to concentrate on other commitments. We thank him for his service.”

ENDS

For information:

Board of RTÉ: Sinéad McGovern | Q4 Public Relations | E: sinead@q4pr.ie

RTÉ: Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager, RTÉ | E: neil.ogorman@rte.ie

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