Rick O'Shea
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Rick O'Shea | |
|---|---|
 Broadcaster Rick O'Shea, 2019 | |
| Born | Paul Crossan 7 May 1973 |
| Alma mater | University College Dublin |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
| Employer | RTÉ |
| Known for | Daytime Radio Show; Books; Cinema |
| Website | Personal weblog |
Paul Crossan (born 7 May 1973) is an Irish radio personality, known as Rick O'Shea. He was born in Drimnagh, Dublin, grew up in Crumlin,[1] and attended Drimnagh Castle Secondary School and University College Dublin.
He was a presenter on RTÉ 2fm from 2001 to 2017.[2][3] O'Shea also presented The Poetry Programme on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2015 and 2016.[4] In 2026, he was announced as the new host of Arena, RTÉ Radio 1's daily arts show.[5]
Before joining RTÉ 2fm in 2001, he had worked for East Coast Radio,[6] Atlantic 252, South East Radio and FM104. Rick had previously been involved with hospital radio.[7] O'Shea presented the weekday afternoon show on 2fm until 2015, when the show was moved to the weekend schedule.[8][9]
He presented The Poetry Programme on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2015 and 2016.[10]
O'Shea was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 16.[11] and has been a patron of Epilepsy Ireland, formerly known as Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association, since 2006.[12] He represented the charity in an Irish celebrity version of the quiz show Mastermind in 2012, winning the competition.[13][14]
He runs the Rick O’Shea Book Club, Ireland's largest book club,[non-primary source needed] with over 43,000 members, and recommends the Eason Must Reads lists four times a year with author Sinéad Moriarty. He is currently presenting Arena on RTÉ Radio 1.[15][16]