news2day is back to bring the biggest stories from Ireland and around the world into homes and classrooms every weekday at 4.20pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player - and we have some news of our own.
Dubliner Florence Okojie is now joined by Wexford's Cathal Dowd. As always, every two years the team welcome a new presenter. Back in June, we said goodbye to Barry Gallagher and now Cathal is stepping in. You can read more about the co-presenters below...
This news show is made especially for young people, and there are plenty of fun quirky stories, but news2day also helps to break down big issues so everyone can understand what is going on in the world.
With guest appearances from the wider RTÉ News team, there are explainers on everything from Trump's Tariffs to the Irish PR voting system. But, it's not all heavy going, we can guarantee some cute animals too!
You can stream the show at school via RTÉ Player and catch up with the dedicated website - rte.ie/news2day.
Florence is back
Florence has been with news2day since September 2024 and has kept herself busy this summer with RTÉ Radio 1.
Florence says: "It's been a whirlwind first year, and I’m delighted to be back on news2day after the summer break. Working on the programme has given me so much knowledge and so many wonderful experiences. From interviewing kids who were trying their hand at beekeeping, to reporting on how crisps are made on a potato farm for International Potato Day to interviewing children for Ireland's Africa Day, every week brought something new! I’ve loved meeting children from all across the country and hearing what the big stories are in their own lives.
"After a year on the show, I finally feel like I’ve settled into the role, and I’m really excited to see what my second year will bring. I’m especially thrilled to be joined by my new co-host, who I know will bring a lovely Wexford touch to the programme!"
Florence is 24 and from Dublin. She went to primary school in St Marnock's National School and went to secondary school in Portmarnock Community School from 1st to 4th year but then made the move across the other side of the Liffey when she was 16 and moved to Stepaside to complete her final two years of secondary school in St Raphaela's in Stillorgan.
The news2day presenter studied Media & Politics in DCU and shortly after graduating in 2023 and then started working as a news reader for Spin1038. She says: "It was a great job as no day of work was ever the same, but I was very excited to have made the big switch from radio to TV!"
When Florence is not busy working, she loves to go running or sea swimming! Plus, she loves reading and doing crosswords to relax!
And now for some tough questions...what's your favourite?...
- BOOK: Anything by Louise O’Neill, she’s a brilliant author!
- FILM: 2012
- MUSIC: Tame Impala or Jungle
- FOOD: Penne Arrabbiata
- COLOUR: Pink!!
Meet Cathal
Cathal is the new face on news2day, he is 23 and from Wexford Town. He attended the Mercy and CBS Primary schools before attending St Peter's College secondary school. He can't wait to get to work and meet lots of great people.
Cathal says: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining the news2day team. It's such an exciting and surreal opportunity to be able to be part of a show that I watched growing up. To now be in the place of people who shaped my early love for news and media is an absolute honour. It’s going to be a fantastic experience to be part of this wonderful team and to help bring news and current affairs to screens and classrooms across the country, keeping them up to date with all that's happening in the world. Most of all, I’m really looking forward to meeting people, from schools and elsewhere, all over the nation and sharing their stories with the children of Ireland."
In 2022 he started at Dublin City University and studied Journalism for three years - he only graduated this year. Cathal loves all thing's news and current affairs, this is his first time presenting television. He is also a huge sports fan, and his favourite hobbies are soccer, running and golf. So, expect some action-packed reports this year! He also loves reading, poetry and writing in his free time.
And now for some tough questions...what's your favourite?...
- BOOK: Far from the Madding Crowd
- FILM: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
- MUSIC: Fontaines DC
- FOOD: Salami Pizza
- COLOUR: Orange
news2day is broadcast Monday to Friday at 4.20pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ News channel. It can be streamed any time on RTÉ Player.
To see more from Florence and Cathal visit www.rte.ie/news2day.
