Morning glory

Shay Byrne’s the man who gets the day started on RTE Radio 1 at 5.30am with Risin’ Time.

This March marks his second anniversary on the show, which was previously presented by Maxi.

He’s the first person into the RTE building just after 4.30am — “I turn on the lights”. Being the first voice many people hear in the morning is a responsibility the 40-year-old Dubliner takes very seriously.

“The majority of people are hitting their alarms during my show.

“I’m waking up with people. I’m in their bedroom. Whatever I play or say, that’s their introduction to the day. There’s a responsibility and I love that people look to me.”

The dad of three — Holly, nine, Jack, seven, and Katie, four — played 3,500 tracks last year but, until 2007, he was a painter and decorator, having taken over his dad’s business.

A stint as a continuity announcer with RTE led to a short contract for a researcher’s job with the Ryan Tubridy Show. “Ryan has been a mentor — at every opportunity, he has given me a chance,” says Shay, who also worked on The Mooney Show for a year.

What shape are you in?

I’m reasonably fit, maybe slightly overweight. I need to be fit to get up early in the morning. I can run up flights of stairs. I don’t do marathons, but I try to get out for a walk everyday with the kids. I do some exercise each day that lasts 30 minutes or so.

Do you have any health concerns?

High blood pressure has been prevalent in our family. My mum’s a sufferer. I don’t have it but I’ll have to watch it.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I try not to eat too late because it keeps me awake. When you start your day so early — and I don’t get to bed until about 9.30pm — you tend to add an extra meal to your day. My wife’s a good salad eater. She likes simple dishes without too many sauces. I try to eat what she eats, which keeps me reasonably healthy.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Give me bread or potatoes in any form. I’d be happy with a bowl of mash.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I’m hosting a concert, or doing something high profile next day, that would keep me awake.

How do you relax?

I go to the cinema once a week. I like a good film. I find it relaxing to get lost in it for two hours.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Frank Sinatra. I’d like to find out what he was about. Doris Day — I’m a big fan. I’d keep it entertainment based. Sammy Davis Junior too. I’m a fan of the Rat Pack. They were fun people.

What’s your favourite smell?

Italian food — that tomato, garlic, oregano taste.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d be taller — I’m five foot seven. Somewhere around six foot is a good height for a man.

When did you last cry?

When I read the story of the two little boys who lost their lives in New York during Hurricane Sandy. I review the papers every day. The morning’s a quiet, reflective, emotional time and that story was very difficult to read.

What trait do you least like in others?

I like people who are on an even keel. I don’t like dishonesty. If you don’t have the story, say it. Give it to me straight between the eyes. Tell me the truth and we can deal with it together.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I was more organised. I’m not analytical in regard to how I do things. I wish I planned things a bit better — it would apply more in my personal life than to work.

Do you pray?

No.

What would cheer up your day?

A nice email or a text from a listener saying they liked something I did — that’s a great boost.