All Ireland Talent Show
The judges’ rivalry was even more intense this year and the desire to steal the crown from Daithi Ó Sé and the West was the driving force of the other four judges. Grainne Seoige had the unenviable task of keeping things civil, before Dana triumphed with Chloe Coyle.
The Apprentice
The Irish version was back for a second series and better than ever! Who could ever forget Breffny, Geraldine and Aoiffe? But once again it was the show’s head honcho Bill Cullen who proved himself to be the real deal. We were hooked!
Dragons’ Den
Another Irish version of a format that seemed to work so much better over here than the original. Whether it was the spark between all the Irish Dragons or the sheer ridiculousness of some of the business ideas, this was a winner from the start.
Operation Transformation
Five more leaders took on the challenge this year to shed the pounds and transform their lifestyle, all under the watchful eye of Gerry Ryan. The show became even more ambitious, too, inviting groups of parents, politicians and taxi drivers to turn their health around.
Feargal Quinn’s Retail Therapy
In the perfect show for our times, retail guru Feargal Quinn travelled the country helping ailing businesses to battle the economic downturn. Despite some reluctance, in the end they always saw the wisdom of his words.
The X Factor
The show that brought us Jedward - did we ever imagine that The X Factor could get any better? With Dannii’s new look, her newfound love for Louis and the inimitable Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell struck telly gold again.