Latest news with #MartyWhelan
RTÉ News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Be sure to visit the RTÉ tent at Bloom this June BH weekend
Taking place over the June Bank Holiday weekend, and running from 9am to 6pm daily, Bord Bia's Bloom is set to celebrate its 18th birthday with spectacular entertainment and heavenly gardens. Spanning 70 acres of Dublin's Phoenix Park, the spectacular gardening event is a great coming together for garden designers, flower growers, landscapers, plantaholics, garden-furniture makers, food fanatics and anyone who loves to garden. RTÉ returns to the Phoenix Park with a feast of live music, chat, live shows from RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ lyric fm favourites, conversations hosted by Audrey McGrath, regular live RTÉ Weather updates, and much more. So, RTÉ has something for everyone at Bord Bia Bloom from Thursday, 29 May – Monday, 2 June. Marty Whelan will kick off RTÉ's five-day schedule at 10am on Thursday 29 May with a special Marty in the Morning featuring great live music, chat and special guests over two enjoyable hours. Join Marty as he catches up with some of the garden designers taking part in this year's festival and brings you his unique style of entertainment, including occasional dad jokes. For updates, tune into Marty in the Morning on RTÉ lyric fm in the lead up to Bord Bia Bloom, weekdays 7am – 10am. Later that day, from 2pm - 4pm Liz Nolan will bring her popular RTÉ lyric fm programme, The Full Score to Bloom, with live music from members of the wonderful RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and some special guests. There will be live RTÉ Weather updates on Thursday and every day from Bloom, three times daily on RTÉ One. Friday: An afternoon of great live radio On Friday, join RTÉ Radio 1's The Louise Duffy Show at 12 noon as she brings a beautiful selection of tunes for all tastes, specially chosen for a June Bank Holiday Friday at Bord Bia Bloom, before handing over to Lorcan Murray for his Classic Drive live and on RTÉ lyric fm from 1pm – 3pm with music, chat and green-fingered guests for listeners and visitors live from the RTÉ set. Lorcan has put together a bright and blossoming playlist for the event and some enjoyable live musical performances. Saturday: Lazing on a sunny afternoon Saturday starts bright and early as Philip Boucher-Hayes presents a special edition of Countrywide from Bord Bia Bloom at 8am on RTÉ Radio 1. Then on Saturday afternoon you can enjoy the company of Simon Delaney from 1pm – 3pm as he celebrates Ireland's festival of flowers, food and fun. Fans of Simon's Sunday afternoon show can expect the same mix of easy chat, good humour and great jazz as we join him in the perfect outdoor setting. We can also look forward to onstage performances from Aoife Mulholland and Niall O'Sullivan. Following the success of In Conversation with Audrey McGrath at last September's National Ploughing Championships, Audrey invites special guests to join her in conversation on stage at the RTÉ set on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Timings will be confirmed before June Bank Holiday weekend. In full Bloom on Sunday and Monday In addition to regular RTÉ Weather reports and conversations with Audrey McGrath, join George Hamilton for music and chat in Hamilton Scores also live on RTÉ lyric fm from 10am - 1pm on Sunday, while Derek Mooney will be right at home in nature for a special Mooney Goes Wild live on RTÉ Radio 1 from 3pm - 4pm on Monday. And don't forget that Marty Morrissey and Áine Lawlor will be back on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player with Bloom, capturing the fun and colour of the June bank holiday weekend at Bord Bia Bloom. See the full RTÉ live at Bord Bia Bloom schedule below and stay tuned to RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Radio 1 and RTÉ's social media accounts for more updates on what you can enjoy with RTÉ at Bord Bia Bloom 2025. RTÉ HIGHLIGHTS at Bord Bia Bloom THURSDAY 29 MAY 10:00 - 12:00: Marty In The Morning - live and on RTÉ lyric fm 14:00 - 16:00: The Full Score with Liz Nolan (live with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra) - live & on RTÉ lyric fm RTÉ Weather: broadcast on RTÉ One at various times throughout the day. FRIDAY 30 MAY 12:00 - 13:00: The Louise Duffy Show - live and on RTÉ Radio 1 13:00 - 15:00: Lorcan Murray presents Classic Drive - live From Bloom and on RTÉ lyric fm RTÉ Weather: broadcast at various times throughout the day. SATURDAY 31 MAY 08:00 - 09:00: Countrywide with Philip Boucher Hayes on RTÉ Radio 1 13:00 - 15:00: Saturday Afternoon with Simon Delaney (with Aoife Mulholland & Niall O'Sullivan) TBC: In Conversation with Audrey McGrath RTÉ Weather: broadcast at various times throughout the day.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Pass the baton to me' says RTE's Arthur Gourounlian as he throws hat into ring to replace beloved icon in huge TV gig
RTE star Arthur Gourounlian has asked a beloved TV icon to pass over his baton to him. The dad-of-two is a jack of all trades and is constantly on the go with judging on 2 Arthur Gourounlian wants to replace Marty Whelan when he retires from his Eurovision job Credit: Conor Healy / Picture It 2 Marty Whelan has been commentating on Eurovision for RTE for 26 years Credit: Instagram He was also on the national judging panel on the Late Late Eurosong Special twice to comment on the six acts who battled it out to represent Ireland in Eurovision. The 44-year-old said he's a "fanatic" for the international song competition and would love to take Marty Whelan has been commentating through all three stages of Eurovision with the national broadcaster since 2000. read more on eurovision The 68-year-old's He has became synonymous in Ireland for his coverage of the Eurovision. Arthur told The Irish Sun: "Listen to me, this is very exclusive... I'm manifesting - when Marty Whelan is retiring, I want to host as a commentator. Why not? Dream big. "Listen, he looks amazing, I love Marty, I met him, he's like my gemini brother, I love it. read more on the irish sun "But you know what? I love Eurovision so much." Arthur believes himself and his podcast co-host and good pal Arthur Gourounlian gives Donal Skehan 'resignation' from podcast The celebrity choreographer explained: "I even said me and Donal, because we're both obsessed with Eurovision. I was like, 'Imagine you and me doing the commentary for Eurovision. It's like being Ryland or Scott Mills. "Why not? Bring us in. So that's what I would love to do. Forget about creating. I want to be the new Irish commentator for Eurovision for the years to come. Here we go." Pleading to the iconic star, he added: "I'm saying, 'Marty, when you retire, please pass the baton to me and Donal'." Arthur also launched Newbridge Silverware's brand new 'Legendary Blue Box' campaign, which is a tribute to timeless style and craftsmanship, this week. 'BEYOND PROUD' The media personality produced and directed the dance video which sees dancers perform in the Newbridge Silverware showroom and factory to depict the style of the famous Blue Box. The exciting new video will be shared on social media on Saturday May 17, at 7.00pm to coincide with the The video is a complete first for the jewellery company and marks the next chapter in the history of the famous Irish lifestyle company which was established in 1934. Speaking about the new campaign, Arthur said, 'It was an honour. This was a bold and visionary leap for the brand, unlike anything they've done before. "Sitting at the table with such passionate minds, dreaming, crafting, and channelling the timeless heritage and magic of Newbridge Silverware into something so bold was nothing short of unforgettable. "My vision was to tell the story in one continuous shot, with no edits and no interruptions, to heighten the emotion and immerse the viewer in the beauty and rhythm of a dream captured inside the box. This is more than a project; it's a love letter to tradition, elegance, and reinvention. "I'm beyond proud of what we've achieved. And this… this is only the beginning. Here's to the enduring legacy of Newbridge Silverware. May it shine on for generations to come."
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
'It's a shame' - Irish fans react to Eurovision exit
Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final were dashed last night, as EMMY's Laika Party failed to make it through a fiercely competitive second semi-final in Basel, Switzerland. Despite a strong performance and a warm reception from the crowd, Ireland was one of six countries eliminated in Thursday night's show. Greece took the final qualifying spot, joining 19 other acts and the six automatic finalists for Saturday's Grand Final. Longtime Eurovision commentator Marty Whelan admitted the result was disappointing, telling Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1: "We were very surprised because it's a decent song, it's a fun song. EMMY did a great job. She's only 24 – it's not easy when this happens." Whelan also pointed to the complexities of Eurovision voting: "Let's be honest about it – people vote for people. You're talking about Germany and Austria or Greece and Malta, and here we are, the little island sitting on the edge of Europe." He added: "It was better than many that got through – and that's often the argument. On the night you go in full of optimism. She gave it her best, but it just wasn't meant to be." Eurovision fan and broadcaster Russell Alford, who was in St. Jakobshalle Arena for the semi-final, said the Irish support was loud and proud: "The atmosphere in the crowd was electric. There were a lot of Irish fans here – the Irish always come out in big numbers for Eurovision. I think EMMY did us all very proud." He added: "It was a really hard semi-final. I think it's back to the drawing board for next year. It was worth taking the risk – it's just a shame it didn't fully pay off this time." Whelan, who will still be on duty for RTÉ during Saturday's final, kept spirits high: "All we can do is shake ourselves down, have a glass of milk and get ourselves back in gear." While Ireland won't be in the running, Eurovision fans can expect a spectacular Grand Final on Saturday night. Austria's JJ (Johannes Pietsch) is among the frontrunners with his emotional ballad Wasted Love, while Switzerland, as the reigning champion, will be hoping to make it two wins in a row. Sweden is also generating major buzz with its entry, Bara Bada Bastu, performed by the comedy trio KAJ. If they triumph, it would push Sweden ahead of Ireland with a record-breaking eighth Eurovision win. Watch: EMMY performs Laika Party during the second semi-final Saturday's final will also take place under heightened security, with Swiss authorities preparing for pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Basel. Police have ramped up their presence in the city and around the venue, with contest organisers emphasising their commitment to ensuring the safety of artists, staff, and spectators. Watch the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm on Saturday, 17 May.
RTÉ News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Laika Party! Join Marty Whelan and Eurovision for a Roblox bash
Eurovision has always been a fantastic way to unite communities under the umbrella of music. And while everyone is gunning for the top spot at the Grand Final, there's no denying the fun we all have simply meeting up to watch the competition with friends. While Eurovision is always full of surprises, 2025 is in a league of its own. That's because this year's competition has helped transform Marty Whelan into a video game character. Yes, you read that correctly. My Eurovision Party 2025 is here, offering a brand new bespoke way for fans of the ESC to meet, celebrate and enjoy this year's festivities. Whether you want to revisit your favourite tracks, help your country rise on the leader boards, or flex your design skills, the virtual experience is growing in popularity as we edge closer to the semi-finals. So get your avatar kitted out in all things Irish, help represent Ireland on the digital stage, and enjoy this year's competition in a new, exciting and immersive way. My Eurovision Party 2025 - how does it all work? First things first, let's talk about how to visit Marty Whelan, Emmy, Laika and the rest of the Eurovision gang from your device. You can visit the Eurovision Song Contest in Roblox either by visiting this link here, or by searching for 'My Eurovision Party 2025' in the Roblox directory. A simple click will transport you to the main hub of the level, where you'll be greeted by a crowd of players no doubt dancing to ESC tracks, as well as a host of beautifully decorated watch party spaces nearby. For parents, the level has been built with a 'robust safety framework', which includes friends-only chat, live moderation and risk more. This can make it an ideal space to hang out with friends, or explore everything Eurovision in total peace and quiet. Cast your eye to the horizon, and you'll see the RTÉ Kids space in the distance, where Marty, Laika and more are ready and waiting to welcome you, and explain everything you need to know. Community & music: a brand new way to experience the best of Eurovision One of the core things to do in My Eurovision Party 2025 is to find Eurohearts. These are spinning song tracks that are scattered across the entire level, which change periodically. Players must take on a fast-paced rhythm challenge of that song to add it to their collection. Think Guitar Hero, but featuring all of your favourite ESC bops. From Jedward's Lipstick, to Chanel's Slow Mo, Loreen's Euphoria to 2024's winning entry, Nemo's The Code, you'll be spoilt for choice on what songs to take on – though be warned, they'll likely stick in your head for the rest of the day. Songs from 2025 are expected to arrive shortly, so prepare for Laika Party to make a big entrance very soon. What's Eurovision without a little friendly competition? Well, there are two giant leaderboards that you really can't escape in the level. Both will change every few seconds, as players and countries duke it out in these challenges, adding to their personal and collective scores. Ireland is currently battling toward the top - with any luck, we'll be able to mirror that placement come the competition later in the week! Creating your own personal Eurovision watch party space Roblox has always been an excellent canvas for players to meet and create. And the Eurovision experience is no exception. As well as designing your own avatar for the occasion, you'll be able to kit out your very own watch party space that you can deploy on any free space in the level. As you take on the song challenges, you'll earn Heartbeats, a special currency that can be used to buy a huge variety of furniture. These include everything from sofas and bunting to unique décor and those all-important Eurovision centrepieces. After your purchase, splash whatever colour you want on items to transform them into your own ESC tribute space. Fans will have good reason to get their watch party spaces in order now. Organisers have mentioned that there will be 'epic surprises' for players who join the Roblox experience during this week's Live Shows. You'll have to find out what those are when the Eurovision kicks off with the first semi-final on Tuesday, the 13th of May. And remember you can support Emmy during the second semi-final, on Thursday 15th, too. Aside from the fan spaces and challenges, the level has several chill-out zones. Each one has a signature Swiss theme running through, which can give groups of friends the perfect quiet space to meet and chat. There's also an impossible obstacle course dangling above the level, reserved for hard-core fans hungry for a challenge. Whether you want to climb the leaderboard, design your own party space, revisit your favourite Eurovision tracks or meet Marty, My Eurovision Party 2025 is a testament to how gaming and entertainment are crossing over. One of the biggest shows in the world, appearing on one of the biggest gaming platforms, all united by music.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
RTE star Marty Whelan opens up on ‘soul destroying' career knock as he weighs in on retirement ahead of 69th birthday
RTE star Marty Whelan has opened up on his "soul destroying" career knock as he weighed in on retirement plans ahead of his 69th birthday. The Dubliner first graced the ears of our nation in 1979 working with the national broadcaster RTE to host a series of shows on 2FM. Advertisement 2 Marty Whelan has commentated on the Eurovision for 26 years Credit: Social Media Collects 2 Marty is turning 69 in June Credit: RTE In 1989 Marty left 2FM to join rival station Century Radio in 1989 for a short stint as the station subsequently failed by 1991. However he returned to the broadcaster by the mid 90s and has remained since, experiencing many And ahead of his 69th birthday next month, Marty has no plans to retire or step away from his Lyric FM show any time soon and hasn't been tempted by outside offers. He told the RTE Guide: "You know I have been approached by people outside of RTE who have asked me about my plans, and I've always said, 'No, I'm very happy here'. Advertisement read more on marty whelan "You must remember I went before and because of that I'd be very wary. I'm not 27 anymore." The 68-year-old works on a. one-year contract for Lyric FM, which he has admitted would have "frightened the life" out of him back in the day. He explained: "Unlike some colleagues, I don't use an agent. Maybe I should have. But don't forget, I left for a period and then returned, and I was delighted to be back and so many people were good to me. "What happened can be soul destroying, but I believe that the knocks made me stronger. Advertisement read more on the irish sun "[Fear] has been knocked out of me. I took a few leaps of faith and surviving those really helped. "I've been very fortunate to be still in this business, and I think that's because I have always been very determined. Greg O'Shea makes public apology after twerking in Marty Whelan's face "My folks instilled that in me. My dad's great advice was that if there is a barrier in front of you, you must figure out a way forward." Marty's journey began back in 1987 when he hosted Eurosong in Dublin, the same year won Eurovision for a second time with his song Hold me now. Advertisement He became synonymous in Ireland for his coverage of the Eurovision and took on the role of commentating through all three stages of Eurovision with the national broadcaster since 2000. He will of course be back on air this evening to commentate on the first round of semi-finals for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel in EURO FUN Marty will then be back on air for the second semi-finals on Thursday, May 15, where Ireland's entry Emmy, will be performing her hit Laika Party alongside 15 other hopefuls. If Emmy is successful, she will go straight to the final on Saturday, May 17, where 26 countries compete in the 69th annual running of Europe's favourite television show. Advertisement The Norwegian revealed how producers Emmy told The Irish Sun: "We have done some changes after the first rehearsal because seeing the prop in the first rehearsal, it looked very big so we had to change a bit of the choreography and my placement on stage because of that. "And also I had some rails on the rocket because I am standing on top of a rocket but the team didn't think it looked that great on camera so we have now removed the rails and we have a thing behind me instead."
