In entertainment news Ireland, broadcaster Louise Cantillon has opened up about the personal moment that followed one of her biggest career calls yet. The Today FM presenter revealed that her husband, former Limerick hurling captain Declan Hannon, was “delighted” when she told him she had landed a hosting role on Up For The Match.
Cantillon will join Dáithí Ó Sé and Jacqui Hurley for RTÉ’s refreshed take on the much-loved pre-final show, broadcasting live from Croke Park across the All-Ireland final weekends. For viewers who follow Irish entertainment news and TV news Ireland, it is one of those crossover moments where sport, broadcasting and national occasion all meet.
Louise Cantillon steps into a landmark RTÉ role
Speaking about the appointment, Louise made it clear just how much the occasion means to her and her family. With GAA already woven into everyday life in her home, taking part in a major All-Ireland weekend broadcast feels especially fitting.
She said her husband was thrilled by the news, adding that there is nothing the pair love more than All-Ireland final weekend. In a light-hearted moment, she joked that when she first rang him after getting the offer, she half-asked whether accepting the role might somehow need “the green light.” The comment underlined the fun and excitement around a booking that clearly means a lot.
That warmth is part of why the story has quickly found a place in celebrity news Ireland and Irish celebrity news, even though the headline is rooted in television rather than red carpet glamour.
A fresh chapter for Up For The Match
The new version of the RTÉ staple will see Cantillon co-hosting alongside Dáithí Ó Sé and Jacqui Hurley, with the show set against the backdrop of Croke Park and a live audience of fans. The format promises:
- Interviews with well-known names from GAA
- Fan chat, games and live studio moments
- Behind-the-scenes features on the people who make match day happen
- Special films celebrating the finalist counties
For audiences following Irish TV news and wider entertainment updates Ireland, the programme remains one of RTÉ’s most recognisable event shows. It also marks a noticeable change, with long-time presenter Des Cahill not involved in this latest version.
Why the opportunity matters to Louise
Cantillon described the offer as an honour and admitted it was not something she had ever imagined for herself. She said that if there had been a formal audition process, she would never have thought to put herself forward, which makes the invitation all the more meaningful.
That sense of disbelief, mixed with genuine enthusiasm, gives the story its appeal. In a media landscape filled with polished announcements, Louise’s reaction feels candid and grounded—something that often resonates strongly in pop culture Ireland coverage.
Jacqui Hurley and Dáithí Ó Sé share their own excitement
Dáithí Ó Sé revealed he got the call confirming his role while attending an under-12 GAA match on his 50th birthday, adding a memorable twist to his own story. Jacqui Hurley, meanwhile, admitted the weekend will feel different without Des Cahill by her side, but said the chemistry with Louise and Dáithí has already brought plenty of fun behind the scenes.
The trio’s easy rapport could be a major asset as RTÉ looks to refresh a format that has long been part of the All-Ireland build-up.
What viewers need to know
Up For The Match – Live From Croke Park airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player:
- Saturday, 18 July at 8pm for the hurling final build-up
- Sunday, 25 July at 9.30pm for the football final preview
For fans of entertainment news Ireland, this is more than a presenter update. It is a reminder that some of the most engaging stories in media entertainment Ireland come from moments where personality, national tradition and live TV all collide. Louise Cantillon’s latest move feels like exactly that—and by all accounts, she has full support from home as she takes it on.
Image Courtesy: EVOKE
Credit/Courtesy for the Article: EVOKE
