Demi Isaac Oviawe: From Mallow, to the Young Offenders, to 2FM's prime-time
Demi Isaac. Picture: Andreas Poveda
Arguably best-known for her role as Linda Walsh on The Young Offenders, Demi Isaac moved into the radio world earlier this year when she joined 2FM as part of the expressions of interest recruitment process.
Paired with co-host Mikey Reilly, they took over the 12-3pm weekend slot and, since October, have been filling in for Doireann Garrihy on Drive.
“I studied radio broadcasting in college, and I always said that the be-all and end-all goal was to end up on 2FM,” says Demi.
“To get the opportunity to cover maternity leave for Doireann, whom I absolutely adore, I’m chuffed. And to be doing it with one of my best friends is even more of a blessing. I’m honestly really enjoying it.”
It’s 6.15pm on a Wednesday evening when I finally manage to get Demi on the phone. It’s been an effort. Unsurprising, perhaps, given she’s currently in the middle of a country-wide game of hide and seek as part of the new show.
“Hide and seek isn’t an easy game when you’re a child, and it’s even more difficult when you’re running around the country like a headless chicken with a load of money,” she says. “But it’s great craic.”
Forging a path for herself in a related but distinct industry, the Mallow native could be forgiven for tiring of questions about her first TV role — but instead, she credits that experience as the foundation of her success.
“Playing Linda gave me confidence. I was very lucky; I ate the chocolate bar that had the right golden ticket in it, and here I am. Anything that I accomplish, I always bring it back to The Young Offenders because I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today without that show.”
As it turns out, the move from screen to airwaves hasn’t been as big a leap as one might think, and her time as Conor MacSweeney’s long-suffering girlfriend equipped her with many of the skills she now brings to her new role.
“I’m my biggest critic — when I did my driving test, I told the driving instructor everything I did wrong before she even sat down at her desk. But Hilary Rose and Shane Casey and the lads all told me that I need to go easier on myself and give myself grace, so that’s something that I definitely try to apply when it comes to my radio work.”
Mikey and Demi’s chemistry is palpable, so I’m surprised to learn that they haven’t known each other for long. First meeting in RTÉ 2FM head Dan Healy’s office, it was clear from the get-go that the two clicked.
“We laughed and we talked and we just got to know each other. Everything you guys are hearing on air, that’s all natural. It’s genuinely how we bounce off each other.”
Is there any truth in the adage, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life’?
“In my very short career, this is probably one of the easiest jobs I’ve ever done,” she says, a smile in her voice.
“Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of work and thought that goes into doing our show and coming up with these crazy gimmicks, but working alongside Mikey is actually quite easy. It’s a great positive vibe to be a part of. If you’re laughing along, that means we’re doing our job right.”
Few mediums feel as personal or intimate as this one — Demi and Mikey are, after all, right there in people’s cars, homes, and ears every day — and it’s that connection to listeners that Demi values the most.
“Maybe it’s because I’m low-key a bit of a radio nerd, but I just feel like people don’t understand the impact that it can have. Mikey and I have gotten messages from people saying, ‘I’m having a really crappy day, but listening to you has helped turn it around.’ You never know who’s listening to you and what they’re going through.”
Irish with Nigerian heritage, it’s a combination that has undeniably moulded Demi into the person she is today. “I’ve got the best of both worlds. My stepmom is Irish, and my dad was Nigerian. I’m Nigerian, but I also identify as being Irish. I grew up here, I know of nothing else, and I think all of that has shaped me. I want to show people that it’s great to embrace both sides of your world, no matter where you come from. I think I’m doing a pretty good job”
A long-time advocate for representation in Irish media, Demi has spoken candidly about past struggles to find roles that mirror modern Ireland, but she’s confident that things are moving in the right direction.
“We’re slowly getting there,” she acknowledges. “I hope that seeing people like me, Katja Mia and Zeinab Elguzouli shows others that if we can do it, they can too. The resources are there for young people. Compared to the interviews I did pre-covid, where I would talk about the need for diversity, I think we’re doing really well. That said, it’s not just about the Black community. All forms of community need to be represented — the Traveller community, the LGBTQ+ community. Whatever is happening in your estate, whatever is happening in your community, should be reflected in all forms of Irish media.”
Grounded as she is in gratitude, Demi’s still got lots of goals for her future. A self-described “worker”, she has a quiet determination to make her mark — something she learned from past jobs but also the example set by her parents, who she lost when she was young.
“My dad came here with nothing. I remember telling him that I wanted to do this and I wanted to do that, and he would always say, ‘There’s no one like you. ’ I’d love for him to see me now, to see what I’m doing. I would like to think that he’s proud of me. I hope he’s looking down and proud, and my mom too.
“They came to this country with nothing. I’m, dare I say, a very recognisable person in this country, and I work a lot, so I hope I’m making them proud.
“I think if the 14- or 15-year-old me saw me now, she’d be very proud. She’d still be judging me a little bit — laughing at my eyebrows — but I think she’d be in disbelief to see that we’re part of a national radio station, that I’ve worked on big projects and that we’re actually following the dreams that we were told we would never be able to pursue.”
Not one to sit still for too long, Demi already has her sights on the future and has lots planned for the next few years.
“Any role where I get to express myself and I get to be creative, that’s what I want. I’ve been writing, but nothing has been put out yet. If I had to set myself another goal, I’d hope that within the next 10 years, I’ll have a show or series on television that’s mine.”
A lot can happen in a decade.
- RTÉ 2FM Drive with Demi and Mikey is on weekdays from 3pm – 6pm
