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Gareth O’Connor

About Me:

I first presented on Christmas FM in 2014 as a regular contributor to the breakfast show.  As a student, my radio career began on Christmas Eve 1987 when I submitted a demo tape to a pirate radio station in my home area of Monaghan and I was on air very soon afterwards!

I have worked in the media for thirty years in radio and TV. My early career coincided with the birth of independent commercial radio in Ireland when I worked at stations including Northern Sound, LMFM, 98FM and Century. I spent nearly twenty years at RTE as a reporter, presenter and editor in radio and television news. After RTE, I worked with Today FM, Radio Nova & East Coast Radio, before moving back into television with UTV Ireland and TV3.  I am currently an executive news producer with Virgin Media Television, producing the flagship News at 8 bulletin on Virgin Media One.

Your role at Christmas FM:

Radio Presenter and Producer

Why Christmas FM:

Christmas FM is magical radio, nothing beats that warm glow of reading out requests from all over the world and reconnecting families and friends through the magic of radio. The positive energy of Christmas FM always reminds me of the excitement of the great early days of independent, commercial radio in Ireland. Of all the radio stations I have worked for it remains my favourite and playing Christmas songs on the radio on a Christmas morning is truly a very happy place to be.

My Favourite Christmas Song:

Christmas Lights by Coldplay

My Favourite Christmas Food:

Chocolate!

My Favourite Christmas Movie:

‘Elf’

My Favourite Christmas Tradition:

The anticipation of Christmas Eve

Where I’m From:

I grew up in Monaghan and currently live happily by the sea in Dun Laoghaire.

My Elf Name is:

‘Goodwill Gareth’