Star line-up to shine on RTÉ celebrations
The two-hour show will also be the launching pad for the network’s celebration of its 50th year in television at the stroke of midnight.
The line-up includes Jedward, actress Saoirse Ronan, Munster rugby player Donncha O’Callaghan and Dublin GAA players Alan and Bernard Brogan.
Declan O’Rourke will sing Galileo and the show will also link up with The Coronas and Paul Brady during their live performances at College Green.
Comedians include Pat Shortt, Brendan Grace, PJ Gallagher and Niall Tóibín.
“To be fair to the production team, it really is an amazing group of people to have on the show,” said Ms O’Callaghan, who is confident it will rival any other network’s New Year’s Eve TV show.
“I really think that, if the product is good enough, Irish people will tune in and stay with it rather than switching over to another channel.”
Asked what she will be adding to the show as presenter, Ms O’Callaghan replied: “I suppose I will just be me. Irish people know me. They know what I do. I’ll just be encouraging people to enjoy the party atmosphere. It’s been a tough year and people just want a bit of fun.
“What I am good at is just chatting to people and enjoying myself. So I will be there as the hostess guiding the guests along, who will be providing all the fun.”
Ms O’Callaghan, a journalist and mother-of-eight, said she was delighted to be playing a leading role in the launch of TV50.
“My first job after I stopped being a lawyer was in television working as a researcher on This is Your Life, then presented by Eamonn Andrews.”
And 50 years ago, it was Eamonn Andrews who wrapped up the opening night celebrations for the launch of Ireland’s national television station live from Dublin’s Gresham Hotel.
Reminiscing with Ms O’Callaghan about RTÉ’s early days will be historian and veteran broadcaster John Bowman.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
