Mark Cagney
He’s been there from the very start of TV3 as a channel and it would be hard to imagine the station, and certainly Ireland AM, without Mark Cagney. Whether he’s discussing politics, social issues, family life or the latest blockbuster on the big screen, Mark engages his loyal audience with an enviable down-to-earth manner.
Bill Cullen
Bill followed up his triumphant run at last year’s TVNow Awards, winning three awads, with another stormer of a series of The Apprentice. Never one to mince his words, he oversaw some memorable tasks and proved more than capable of controlling the likes of Breffny and Aoiffe. A newcomer to this category, but certainly one of the favourites.
Alan Hughes
Another of TV3’s best-loved long-time presenters, Alan can turn his hand to any topic that comes his way on Ireland AM. He’s equally at home covering fashion and beauty as he is with handling more serious human-interest stories. He’s also always the first choice for any of the more daring topics the producers might have in mind!
Martin King
One of TV3’s stalwarts, Martin King has come a long way from presenting the weather reports and has found his natural home as co-host of The Morning Show with Sybil Mulcahy. He’s also a devoted father of five, so is well placed to discuss the varied and interesting topics on this family-focused discussion show.
Brendan O’Connor
Since his time on Don’t Feed The Gondolas and You’re A Star, Brendan O’Connor has moved centre-stage and hosted his own shows The Apprentice: You’re Fired and, most recently, RTE’s prime time chat show The Saturday Night Show. Time has softened his edges and has made him a surprisingly genial and popular host.
Daithi O Sé
Very much an all-rounder on his native TG4 - where he presents the weather as well as highly entertaining documentaries about his road trips across the US, Daithi has really come into his own on RTE’s All Ireland Talent Show as a judge and mentor for the west of Ireland. This talented and likeable presenter has a huge fan base, making him one of the favourites for this award.
Ryan Tubridy
What a year it has been for Ryan! Although he displayed an admirable sense of trepidation at taking over The Late Late Show hotseat, he has taken to the task with aplomb and it has sat unchallenged at the top of the charts since his first show. It would be a brave person who’d bet against this three-time winner scooping the top award again.
Marty Whelan
Those that might label Marty “the comeback king” overlook the fact that he never really went away. Having re-established his position on national radio, Marty was called back to Winning Streak, returning it to its former glory and regular Top 10 position. One of the genuinely good guys of Irish TV, it’s nice to see Marty challenging for this award again.