Early starts no problem for Offaly man on popular national radio show

THE Offaly man who is jointly hosting a morning show every weekend on 2FM radio has revealed he had to undergo a 'chemistry test' with his co-presenter before he got the job.

Benny Bracken, a past pupil of Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore, has been presenting 2FM Weekend Breakfast with Helen and Benny each Saturday and Sunday morning since March 15.

Benny, who grew up on Ross Road, Screggan and now lives in Tullamore, was formerly with the Athlone-based regional youth station iRadio.

As part of a revamp of its schedule, RTE appointed a number of new presenters earlier this year and Benny was one of hundreds of applicants.

Many of the shows have two presenters and RTE executives were keen to ensure the presentation teams worked well together.

Benny's partner on the show is Helen Galgey, Coolock, Dublin, who previously worked with Dublin station FM104.

Benny likened the selection process of the duo to “matchmaking” but said it was nonetheless “professional”.

“They screened us and interviewed us separately and then they brought us in together for a chemistry pilot [where] we met for the first time,” said the 32-year-old.

“We were so lucky because when you go for a chemistry test it is like going on a blind date but it's a blind date that has to work out so it is very nerve-racking. And Helen and I, even though we're from different backgrounds, and from different places, we have a similar sense of humour, similar personalities.

“From the very first second we met it clicked and I think the bosses could see that and that's why they put us together.”

At the same time, Benny says having one presenter from Offaly and another from Dublin does help the show.

“The difference is great because when we're on air I can give one perspective and she can give another one, so it's actually great that we are from different backgrounds, otherwise it'd be very samey, samey.”

Benny is a corporate law graduate from NUIG (University of Galway) but fell in love with radio when he worked on the college station in his final year in Galway.

He went on to study for a master's in broadcast production for radio and TV at IADT in Dun Laoghaire.

He first worked in Dublin City FM and then spent four years in iRadio before travelling to Australia and America in advance of getting his weekend job with 2FM.

He is also busy deejaying and working at commercial events, brand launches and other live work in pubs and clubs.

The weekend show, which RTE says aims to “bring listeners music, prizes and plenty of good vibes, in English agus as Gaeilge”, airs from 7am to 9am.

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Benny, a son of Pat and Breda Bracken, says you will not find a “prouder Offaly man” than himself so he has settled in Tullamore and the early starts make the Saturday and Sunday commutes comfortable.

“There is no traffic on the roads so it's actually fine,” he remarked.

He knew in January he had landed the job and the following couple of months were spent preparing the entire production.

“There's a lot of work in the background to get done. There was so much anticipation we couldn't wait to get on air when the time came. It went great and thank God the reception was very positive. It was really really good.”

He added: “We had listeners texting in in the morning wishing us luck. And then my own personal social media – my phone was absolutely hopping when I came off air after day one.”