Ray D'Arcy

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Ray D'Arcy

A D'Arcy pencil portrait.
Born 1 September 1964 (1964-09-01) (age 47)
Kildare, Ireland
Nationality Irish
Education Psychology graduate[1]
Alma mater Trinity College, Dublin[1]
Occupation Broadcaster
Employer Today FM
Known for Morning radio show
Height 5' 8.75"[citation needed]
Partner Jenny Kelly
Children One daughter

Raymond 'Ray' D'Arcy (born 1 September 1964) is an Irish television and radio presenter. He currently presents a weekday morning radio programme, The Ray D'Arcy Show, on Today FM. His professional partner on the show, Jenny Kelly, became his personal partner and they have since had a daughter together.

Prior to becoming a father D'Arcy had a television career with Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), presenting children's television on The Den, a quiz show called Blackboard Jungle and the youth music show 2Phat. He presented television coverage of The Rose of Tralee beauty pageant each August for four consecutive years until 2010. He also outed himself as a competitor in the second season of Celebrity Bainisteoir.

D'Arcy is a household name in Ireland but does not consider himself a celebrity and rarely gives interviews.[1]

Contents

[edit] Early life

D'Arcy began DJing in 1979. He was born in Kildare in 1964, and was always interested in music and broadcasting, and DJ'ed his first disco at the age of 15.[2] He is from a working class family of nine, with one earner, a male non-commissioned officer.[1] His grandmother died at the age of 54 from lung cancer when he was 11.[3]

D'Arcy attended Trinity College Dublin for a degree in psychology.[1] He graduated in 1985.[4] He began a career at RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and in 1988 moved to RTÉ television, with a presenter spot on Jo Maxi. He worked in RTÉ for 13 years.[1]

[edit] Television career

D'Arcy replaced Ian Dempsey as the presenter of The Den, RTÉ's flagship children's television series, from 1990 till 1999. His career in children's television later featured in the 2008 documentary Best Bitz From Back Den.[5] D'Arcy also presented the secondary school quiz show Blackboard Jungle at the time, and later moved onto presenting 2Phat, a youth music quiz. In addition, he presented the UTV and RTÉ collaborative travel show, Bon Voyage! for one season.

In 2005 D'Arcy took over presenter duties at the International Rose of Tralee festival which he went on to present for a number of years.[6] On 1 April 2010, after five years as presenter, D'Arcy announced his decision to quit so that he could spend more time with his family as they grew older.[7]

D'Arcy has presented a number of special one-off events, including Ireland's version of the Test The Nation franchise and the Irish Young Scientist Awards. Until 2005 he presented You're a Star,[8][9] the talent contest to find Ireland's entrant for the Eurovision Song Contest. He hosted Eurosong 2008 in The University of Limerick Concert Hall.[10] He presented an edition of The Panel on 6 November 2008.[11] In 2008 he ruled out applying to host The Late Late Show,[12] despite being linked to the primetime slot.[13]

On 1 December 2008, he announced on his radio show that he would be participating in the second season of Celebrity Bainisteoir, in which he managed Rathangan GAA, a team from Rathangan, County Kildare.[14][15][16] On The Saturday Night Show in 2010, D'Arcy took on Enda Kenny. 'vowing he would leave Ireland' after the February 2011 general elections if Kenny became Taoiseach. The audience applauded as D'Arcy continued: "If you listened to Enda Kenny during the week, he said 'I'm now going to be myself'. He's the longest-serving TD, he's been eight years as leader of Fine Gael and now he decides he's going to be himself."[17]

[edit] Radio career

Main article: The Ray D'Arcy Show

In the late 1990s D'Arcy moved to a radio career on Today FM. There he took over the mid-morning show from Tim Kelly which went out from 10:00 to 12:45. This slot was later changed to 9:00 to 12:00, entering direct competition with The Gerry Ryan Show on RTÉ 2fm. He credits much of his show's success to the team that has served him over the years: Jenny Kelly, Mairead Farrell and Will Hanafin.[1]

The D'Arcy Show has achieved something of a cult status due to some of its quirky segments. One of the most popular of these is called "Fix-It Friday", which, as is evident by its name, takes place each Friday. It involves D'Arcy and his assistant Jenny Kelly's attempts to find the solution to any question the listenership request of them.[18] Another segment is the "Odd One Out Quiz" which takes place every day the show is on air. This involves D'Arcy asking a phone-in contestant a series of questions each involving three items, one of which is the odd one out. A regular example would be two consonants and a vowel. The fast-paced delivery is usually enough to unhinge the contestant although D'Arcy is usually generous in his delivery and will often repeat questions after the allotted time has run out.

The D'Arcy Show has also seen many unusual innovations. For instance D'Arcy and his production team, Jenny Kelly, Mairéad Farrell and Will Hanafin, once performed a spoof version of the OK Go hit "Here It Goes Again" in D'Arcy's back garden in frozen conditions.[19] In June 2008 D'Arcy was one of over 1,200 people who stripped naked to participate in an Irish Spencer Tunick art project and he later spoke of it on his show.[20]

On the weekend of 21–22 March 2009, an unknown person placed satirical naked pictures of Brian Cowen in the National Gallery of Ireland and the gallery of the Royal Hibernian Academy.[21] The artist, Conor Casby, emailed The Ray Darcy Show anonymously, claiming responsibility for the creation of the paintings, but not their hanging. Gardaí subsequently raided the Today FM studios and the producer, Will Hanafin, was asked to hand over the emails, claiming that the placing of the paintings constituted indecency, incitement and criminal damage. Hanafin refused to provide the emails without a warrant.[22]

D'Arcy has played a major role in Today FM’s Shave Or Dye Campaign.[23][3]

D'Arcy has been approached by RTÉ over the years and has considered leaving Today FM.[24][25][26]

[edit] Philanthropy

D'Arcy has used his high profile to help numerous charitable causes. Cancer awareness is one of his favourite things to do. His regular "Shave Or Dye Campaign" raises funds for the Irish Cancer Society. His road safety campaign earned an award.[1] He is tourism ambassador for County Kildare.[27]

[edit] Personal life

D'Arcy was previously engaged to marry television presenter Geri Maye only for the wedding to be halted at the last minute. He is currently in a relationship with Jenny Kelly, one of the producers and co-presenters of his radio show. The pair were stalked by the press when D'Arcy publicly exposed their partnership on Saturday Night With Miriam in 2005.[28] Afterwards, D'Arcy was dismissive of the public interest in the relationship:

"I guess once we have actually told people we are together that will be the end of it. Our listeners probably care that we are a couple, but beyond that I don't know why anyone would be interested."

D'Arcy and Kelly have a baby daughter, Kate (born 25 November 2006), together.[29] Jenny went into labour with his baby while watching Pat Kenny come under attack on The Late Late Show.[3] In January 2012, it was announced that D'Arcy and Kelly had become engaged and that Kelly was pregnant with a second child.[30]

D'Arcy is now an atheist, but attended Mass until he was in his twenties when he became disillusioned by the whole process.[3]

[edit] Awards

D'Arcy won a Jacob's Award in 1993 for his presentation of The Den. In 2005, 2006 and 2007[31] Ray won the Best Irish Radio DJ award at the Meteor Music Awards, cementing his position as one of Ireland's most popular radio presenters. D'Arcy always maintains that this should be seen as a group award, and that credit should be shared with Jenny Kelly, Mairead Farrell and producer Will Hanafin, who also contributes to presenting the show. Despite this, it was only ever awarded to himself so he can claim the credit here. In 2008 D'Arcy was beaten by his namesake Ray Foley who launched a daily campaign to dethrone him.[32]

In 2006 The Ray D'Arcy Show won the Community/Social Action award at the PPI Irish Radio Awards for their work in highlighting road safety problems and deaths on the roads in Ireland. This was due in part, to their "Don't be a Fucking Eejit" radio adverts, which contained real-life stories.

In 2007 The Ray D'Arcy Show won the Best Light Entertainment Programme award at the PPI Irish Radio Awards.[33]

Year Nominated work Award Result
1993 Ray D'Arcy Jacob's Award Won
2005 Ray D'Arcy Best Irish DJ at the Meteor Awards Won
2006 Ray D'Arcy Best Irish DJ at the Meteor Awards Won
2006 The Ray D'Arcy Show Community/Social Action award at the PPI Irish Radio Awards Won
2007 Ray D'Arcy Best Irish DJ at the Meteor Awards Won
2007 The Ray D'Arcy Show Best Light Entertainment Programme award at the PPI Irish Radio Awards Won
2008 Ray D'Arcy Best Irish DJ at the Meteor Awards Nominated

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Finn, Melanie (31 March 2011). "I'm not motivated by money ... but I am very well paid". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/im-not-motivated-by-money-but-i-am-very-well-paid-2602367.html. Retrieved 31 March 2011. 
  2. ^ "Ray D'Arcy to host the Rose of Tralee on RTÉ Television". RTÉ. 15 April 2005. http://www.rte.ie/about/pressreleases/15042005.html. Retrieved 15 April 2005. 
  3. ^ a b c d "D'Arcy wants Dunphy back on radio". Hot Press. 11 February 2010. http://www.hotpress.com/news/D-Arcy-wants-Dunphy-back-on-radio/6208358.html. Retrieved 11 February 2010. 
  4. ^ "The Ray D'Arcy Show". Today FM. 6 October 2008. 
  5. ^ Neville, Sarah (21 October 2008). "Zig and Zag return to TV for 21st anniversary". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/zig-and-zag-return-to-tv-for-21st-anniversary-1504520.html. Retrieved 21 October 2008. 
  6. ^ "Ray D'Arcy Introduces the 49th Rose of Tralee International Selection". RTÉ. 19 August 2007. http://www.rte.ie/about/pressreleases/2008/0819/roseoftralee19082008.html. Retrieved 24 October 2008. 
  7. ^ "D'Arcy steps down from Rose of Tralee". RTÉ. 1 April 2010. http://www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0401/roseoftralee.html. Retrieved 1 April 2010. 
  8. ^ Mulhall, Aileen (12 March 2004). "You’re A Star crown for Chris". Waterford News & Star. http://www.waterford-news.ie/news/kfmhidkfau/. Retrieved 12 March 2004. 
  9. ^ Mulhall, Aileen (10 October 2003). "1,000 young hopefuls seek fame". Waterford News & Star. http://www.waterford-news.ie/news/kfcwkfcwsn/. Retrieved 10 October 2003. 
  10. ^ Byrne, Andrea (24 February 2008). "Dustin's Eurosong turkey takes off as panel cries fowl". Sunday Independent. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/dustins-eurosong-turkey-takes-off-as-panel-cries-fowl-1296755.html. Retrieved 24 February 2008. 
  11. ^ "The Panel". RTÉ. Thursday 6 November 2008. http://www.rte.ie/tv/thepanel/20081106.html. Retrieved 6 November 2008. 
  12. ^ O'Riordan, Alison (24 August 2008). "Ray happy with Roses as he rules out run at 'Late Late'". Sunday Independent. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/ray-happy-with-roses-as-he-rules-out-run-at-late-late-1462188.html. Retrieved 10 November 2008. 
  13. ^ "Mogadon Man Kenny turned the Late Late into the Late lamented". Sunday Independent. 14 September 2008. http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/mogadon-man-kenny-turned-the-late-late-into-the-late-lamented-1475261.html. Retrieved 15 November 2008. 
  14. ^ The Ray D'Arcy Show. Today FM. 1 December 2008.
  15. ^ "Na Bainisteoirí/ The Managers". RTÉ. http://www.rte.ie/tv/celebritybainisteoir/biogs.html. 
  16. ^ "Rathangan hoping for home advantage in Celebrity Bainisteoir game". Leinster Leader. 25 November 2008. http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/local/rathangan_hoping_for_home_advantage_in_celebrity_bainisteoir_game_1_1933578. Retrieved 25 November 2008. 
  17. ^ Doyle, Kevin (15 February 2010). "D'Arcy: I'd emigrate if Kenny was Taoiseach". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/darcy-id-emigrate-if-kenny-was-taoiseach-2063938.html. Retrieved 15 February 2010. 
  18. ^ "Fix It Friday". Today FM. http://www.todayfm.com/Article.asp?id=16837. 
  19. ^ "OK Ray D'Arcy Show GO". Today FM. http://www.todayfm.com/Article.asp?id=183317. Retrieved 15 November 2008. 
  20. ^ Riegel, Ralph (18 June 2008). "1,200 go naked for sake of Blarney art shoot". Irish Independent. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/1200-go-naked-for-sake-of-blarney-art-shoot-1413469.html. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  21. ^ "Naked taoiseach paintings removed". BBC News. 24 March 2009. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7960997.stm. Retrieved 24 March 2009. 
  22. ^ O'Doherty, Caroline (18 June 2008). "Today FM producer brands reaction ‘crazy’". Irish Examiner. http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/idqlqleysn/. Retrieved 17 May 2010. 
  23. ^ Tyaransen, Olaf (25 February 2010). "Glad to be Ray". Hot Press. http://www.hotpress.com/Ray-DArcy/features/interviews/Glad-to-be-Ray/6279599.html. Retrieved 25 February 2010. 
  24. ^ Murphy, Cormac (28 October 2011). "D'Arcy drops hint that he may quit Today FM for RTE". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/news/darcy-drops-hint-that-he-may-quit-today-fm-for-rte-2919893.html. Retrieved 28 October 2011. 
  25. ^ Murphy, Cormac (26 October 2011). "Will D'Arcy follow as Today FM chief goes back to RTE?". Evening Herald. http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/will-darcy-follow-as-today-fm-chief-goes-back-to-rte-2916124.html. Retrieved 26 October 2011. 
  26. ^ Horan, Niamh (20 February 2011). "D'Arcy wooed by RTE before being crowned king of airwaves". Sunday Independent. http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/tv-radio/darcy-wooed-by-rte-before-being-crowned-king-of-airwaves-2548296.html. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 
  27. ^ Sweeney, Ken (1 February 2012). "D'Arcy's next step". Irish Independent. http://www.independent.ie/national-news/darcys-next-step-3005782.html. Retrieved 1 February 2012. 
  28. ^ Nolan, Larissa (30 July 2006). "Pregnancy finally fixes the big Ray and Jenny question". Sunday Independent. http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/news-gossip/pregnancy-finally-fixes-the-big-ray-and-jenny-question-133016.html. Retrieved 10 November 2008. 
  29. ^ "Archive Search - Results 0.0054 seconds". ireland.com. http://www.irishtimes.com/search/?rm=listresults&filter=datedesc&keywords=ray%20darcy&submit=Search&start=60. 
  30. ^ "D'arcy engaged and expecting second child". RTÉ. 3 January 2012. http://www.rte.ie/ten/2012/0103/darcyr.html. Retrieved 3 January 2012. 
  31. ^ "Snow Patrol big winners at Meteors". RTÉ. 2 February 2007. http://www.rte.ie/arts/2007/0202/meteors.html. Retrieved 2 February 2007. 
  32. ^ "Eight awards in a row for Westlife". Daily Star. 16 February 2008. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/gossip/view/29676/Eight-awards-in-a-row-for-Westlife/. Retrieved 16 February 2008. 
  33. ^ "Recognising the Best in Irish Radio Broadcasting". PPI Radio Awards 2006. http://www.ppiradioawards.com/2007/winners_2007.htm. 

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Preceded by
Ryan Tubridy		 Host of The Rose of Tralee
2005 – 2009		 Succeeded by
Dáithí Ó Sé
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