
Inside RTE's Joanne Cantwell's family life with husband Shay and two daughters
She's perhaps most recognised for her coverage of GAA and her work on The Sunday Game, having once played for Dublin during her teenage years.
Joanne will host RTE's coverage of Sunday's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final between Cork and Tipperary, reports RSVP Live.
Here's everything you need to know about Joanne's career and life outside of sport: Who is Joanne Cantwell?
Joanne is an Irish sports journalist and broadcaster from Dublin.
She was part of the Dublin county team that won Dublin's first senior Leinster Ladies Senior Football Championship. She was named Young Dublin Player of the Year in 1997 and was nominated for an All-Star award in 1998.
She studied journalism at DCU before joining FM104 to cover weekend sport and later moved to TV3's Sports Tonight show before landing her high-profile role on RTE. Family life
Away from work, Joanne spends her time raising her two young daughters, Emmy and Alex, with her husband Shay in Kildare.
Joanne has four sisters, none of whom followed her into football. Only she and her father shared a passion for GAA.
Now, it seems her two daughters, Emmy and Alex, aren't big GAA fans either.
Joanne couldn't help but chuckle over her efforts to get her kids, shared with hubby Shay, into GAA. Chatting with RSVP Live, she quipped: "I am trying to get them to become massive GAA fans, if they want to."
Having been raised in a family where sport wasn't exactly the main event, Joanne knows all about rooting for her passions. She reminisced: "I grew up with four sisters and none of them had any interest in sport, so it was my father and I against five others, my sister and my mother, at home. I am used to having to fight the fight." The Sunday Game
Taking the reins of The Sunday Game from Michael Lyster in 2019, Joanne previously confided to the RTE Guide about the gig's intensity: "I don't have time to think about it as I'm so busy, it's just another programme."
But she swiftly acknowledged: "Of course, it's not just another programme. It's an iconic show and I'm taking over from an icon. But people aren't turning on their tellies to see me. They are turning on to watch the hurling and camogie."
She's also full of praise for Ireland's sports commentators, noting: "We have a great line-up of pundits and I was recently thinking that we are really lucky with the pundits we have in sport in Ireland."
She added: "Whether it is GAA, soccer or rugby, we are blessed with the numbers and quality we have because lots of countries don't have pundits who can say what they want to say and also be taken to task as well. All of our programmes allow people to say what they want to say."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


RTÉ News
18 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
David Clifford the Player of the Year as Kerry dominate Team of the Year selection
And, after so much change to the game of Gaelic football, Kerry are the champions for the second time in four seasons, and a record extending 39th time overall. Since the end of the dominant Dublin period, the men from the Kingdom have won two All-Irelands - that's one more than anybody else. You could tell something was brewing when they ripped last year's All-Ireland champions Armagh to shreds in a dominant 15 minute period at the quarter-final stage, after emerging from the long grass of another Munster title and a surprise defeat to Meath in the All-Ireland group stages. Then, in the semis, they upped the ante after the break to make a break for the decider, but it was their performance today which was arguably the most impressive of the lot. Jack O'Connor had spoken of his desire for, "a good, steady, even performance" but this was so much more than that. They were well on top from the first minute, with Dylan Geaney opening the scoring inside 15 seconds. David Clifford contributed seven points in the first half, including three two-pointers. Donegal threatened to put up a comeback when they cut the gap to four but the Munster men had the answers with the late goal from Joe O'Connor meaning they ended up winning both halves - worthy winners. Kerry top the list with eight players, with beaten finallists Donegal managing four - Meath, Tyrone and Armagh complete the 15, with no player from Connacht making the cut in a year when the province failed to provide an All-Ireland semi-finalist. Shane Ryan (Kerry) An excellent distributor of the ball who has an ability to get the ball away with some haste, which helped Kerry with some big scores over the summer. A superb shot stopper as well, he never conceded a goal across the entire run to the Sam Maguire. Managed 0-04 points during the summer although ended the All-Ireland final with a score, missing a few frees. Seán Rafferty (Meath) Only made his championship debut for Meath against Carlow in April this year but was a solid presence throughout their campaign. Often took the tough marking job on David Clifford, Shane Walsh and Michael Murphy. He was off the field when Meath conceded 2-03 against Galway. Jason Foley (Kerry) A tall, strong full back with bags of pace. Started every championship game on Kerry's run to the Sam Maguire. Kept Michael Murphy to two points from play in this afternoon's final. Brendan McCole (Donegal) The New York born defender was Donegal's main man marker during the year, doing a particularly impressive jobs on Derry's Shane McGuigan and on Jordan Morris in the semi-final victory over Meath. As most mortals do, found David Clifford too hot to handle in the decider but overall, a very impressive year for the 27-year-old. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (Kerry) A brilliant defender but so dangerous going forward with the pace that he has. A standout player in a line that launches so much of Kerry's most important moves. Gavin White (Kerry) His tenth season with the Kingdom, and his third as captain, but this one surely tops the lot as he got to climb the steps of the Hogan Stand on All-Ireland final day after disappointment in 2019 and last year. An inspirational All-Ireland final performance as he scored 0-03 and set up other scores throughout the game as an attacking wing-back. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone) Tyrone's sole representative in the selection, Kieran McGeary showed his ability with an early two-pointer as Tyrone saw off Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Joe O'Connor (Kerry) Not long after Kerry's last All-Ireland in 2022, O'Connor did his ACL playing a club game for Austin Stacks and he was off the field for 15 months. Since his return at the start of 2024, he's started all 15 of Kerry's Championship games and all but two of their league games in that period. It's an incredible record but reflects the form he has managed in midfield. Showed his ability to win the ball and carry it early in today's final and was a consistent thorn in Donegal's side with his incisive runs. Capped it all off with the last score of the day, a goal into the Hill 16 End. Michael Langan (Donegal) The super experienced midfielder made his Donegal debut in 2017. He's a majestic fielder of the ball and covers plenty of ground in the middle third of the field. Nominated for an All-Star last year and continued where he left off with some big performances this year. His goal against Monaghan helped the Tír Chonaill men turned around a seven-point half-time deficit. Seán O'Shea (Kerry) Kicked 12 points against from nine shots against Armagh when the Orchard decided to go after David Clifford. Such a consistent play maker in the Kerry team. Managed a point from play in the final as well as kicking two two-pointers from place balls. Paudie Clifford (Kerry) Injury kept Clifford out of the team until later in the year but he emerged at half-time in the quarter-final dethroning of Armagh, hitting two points. Started the semi final win over Tyrone and hit another two points before managing three this afternoon. An orchestrator of a lot of what Kerry do well. Oisín Conaty (Armagh) The only player included who didn't play for a team that won anything this year. It should tell you something about how impressive the Armagh attacker was as their All-Ireland defence fell short. A very talented soccer player in his younger years, he managed six points from play in the Ulster final loss to Donegal. David Clifford (Kerry) The greatest footballer of his generation and he delivered once again in the biggest game in the sport. Coming into today, the Fossa man had already hit 8-53 in his eight championship games. He added seven points in the first half, including three two-pointers, before another two from play down the home stretch. Clifford is the attacker of his generation (Galway and Dublin fans might have something to say), consistently tormenting opposition defences. When he fires, Kerry tend to win, and that was the case once in 2025. Michael Murphy (Donegal) Came back to win a second Celtic Cross but came up just short. One of just two players who has played in every Donegal v Kerry championship game, stretching back to a quarter-final win back in 2012. A talismanic figure looking to pull off one of the greatest comebacks having made himself available after two seasons out. Got special mention from the Uachtarán Jarlath Burns in his speech before handing over the Sam Maguire, calling him "the best player ever to come from" Donegal. Conor O'Donnell (Donegal) A dangerous attacker who was always worth a few scores for Donegal. He hit 1-03 in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Meath and on a more difficult afternoon in the final, he was their top scorer from play with four points - two in each half. Gavin White (Kerry) A massive All-Ireland final performance from the very first minute, as he burst through and fed Geaney for the opening score, setting the tone for a golden afternoon for Kerry. He added a score himself shortly afterwards and would have three before the afternoon was out. Repeated his support role early in the second half to set up Seán O'Shea and he was consistent danger throughout with his powerful running. SUNDAY GAME FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR David Clifford (Kerry) What more can be said about the Fossa man? He ends the season with 8-62 from nine games as the greatest player of his generation continues to perform when its most needed. He hit seven in the first half this afternoon including a two-pointer after the buzzer which his manager picked out as a critical score in the game. Earlier in the campaign, he was heavily marked against Armagh but still ended up with seven points, and had his best scoring contribution of the year in the semi-final victory over Tyrone when he managed 1-09.


The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores shoppers set for frenzy over new belly friendly summer dress with ‘flattering silhouette' for €30
DUNNES Stores shoppers are set for a frenzy over a brand new belly-friendly dress on shelves now. 2 The Button Front Shirt Midi Dress is selling for €30 Credit: DUNNES STORES 2 The dress has buttons up the centre Credit: DUNNES STORES The retailer has released a long line of must-have bits for the And now, The Button Front Shirt Midi Dress is selling for just €30, making it the perfect piece to wear without breaking the The dress is available in sizes 8 to 22. READ MORE IN DUNNES STORES The stunning dress features elbow-length sleeves, along with a button detailing up the centre. Shoppers can choose to wear it completely buttoned up or with a plunging v-neckline depending on their preference. And at the centre, it features a stunning built-in self-tie detailing to cinch in the waist. The dress reaches just above the ankles, and is perfect to pack for your Most read in Fabulous Or, shoppers could add a pair of heels for a summer event. In the official item description on the I tried 'gorgeous' tie front summer top from Dunnes Stores - here's how I styled it "It features a collared neck, button-through front, and cuffed three-quarter length sleeves." The stunning dress is available both online and in stores now. But fashion fans should be warned that it is set to fly off the shelves, so you must be quick. And shoppers can add a range of stunning pieces from the retailer to complete the outfit. To layer up when the temperatures drop, shoppers can pick up a The Savida Leopard Jacket is available in stores and online now. It is priced at just €40 and comes in sizes XXS to XXL. The retailer said: "A trend-forward outer layer choice, this leopard print barn jacket is cut to a relaxed, boxy fit and features an over-sized corduroy collar. "It is designed with a button-through front and over-sized patch pockets. "Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores." The jacket can be styled with just about anything from jeans to dresses and skirts. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.


Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Jack O'Connor says Kerry's future rests with one person, and no surprises who
Kerry boss Jack O'Connor has joked that his wife will decide his future with the legendary manager hinting that he would step away from the role. O'Connor had previously alluded that 2025 would be his final year, regardless of how it ended, and did not little to quiet speculation when speaking to the media after Kerry's All-Ireland triumph. 'I think I was on record earlier in the year there that it would probably be my last hurrah, do you know. I don't want to be telling ye lads before I tell anyone else. There's a lot more people down the corridor. Look, we'll do that in due course. There's no hurry.' O'Connor was further quizzed on The Sunday Game by Joanne Cantwell and said he'll be leaving his decision to his better half. "That's up to my wife now, she's down there! All I know, Joanne, is I was going out the door with my gearbag Thursday night, and she had the camera out taking photographs, and that's not a great sign." In his third stint as Kerry manager, O'Connor won his fifth All-Ireland title and sits only behind Jim Gavin (6) and Mick O'Dwyer (8) when it comes to All-Ireland titles. "It's great. It's a fantastic night to be celebrating with the supporters and families," he said. "We've been on the other side of it where we've lost finals, it's night and day, it's agony and ecstasy, so thankfully it's ecstasy tonight. "It's great when things come together. Five or six weeks ago, we were on our knees after the defeat in Tullamore, so it's very rewarding when people stick together. It's easy to jump on the bandwagon when things are going well, but when things aren't going well, that's when you find out about people. We found that we had great unity in the camp and the whole group, and that was rewarded today."