Derek Mooney facts for kids

Derek James Mooney (born 4 March 1967) is a well-known Irish radio and television presenter. He is also a radio producer. Derek has hosted many popular shows on both radio and TV. He is especially known for his work on nature and wildlife programs. He also presented a popular radio show called Mooney on RTÉ Radio 1.

Derek Mooney's Career Journey

Derek Mooney is one of Ireland's most famous TV personalities. He is also a very active broadcaster in the world of nature and wildlife. When he was a child, he looked up to the famous presenter Gay Byrne. Derek's first job at RTÉ was during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He worked as a runner, helping behind the scenes.

Early TV Shows and Nature Programs

Derek was one of the presenters for the RTÉ children's TV show Echo Island. He started on the show in 1994 and left in 1996. Later in the 1990s, he presented Gridlock, which was a game show.

He has also presented many radio shows about nature. These include Habitats, The Nature Line, and Nature Trails. All these shows were for RTÉ Radio 1. He even won an award called the ESB Millennium Environment Award. This award was for the best environmental story in print, radio, or TV. Derek has also hosted TV shows about nature, like Nature Detectives for the BBC.

The Mooney Radio Show

The radio show Mooney first started in 1995. It was originally called Mooney Goes Wild on One. At first, it focused on nature and wildlife and was on at weekends. In 2006, the show became simply Mooney. Its format changed to include general chat and discussions. It was given a regular weekday slot on RTÉ Radio 1.

Hosting Game Shows and Talent Competitions

After Mike Murphy retired from Winning Streak in 2001, Derek Mooney became the new presenter. Winning Streak is a popular Saturday night game show. Derek also hosted You're a Star from December 2005 to March 2006.

In 2004, he was nominated for the Television Personality of the Year Award. This was at the Irish Film and Television Awards. Derek has also presented and produced other RTÉ shows, like Liveline.

In 2008, Derek announced that he would be stepping down as the presenter of Winning Streak. He had hosted the show for seven years. The show was then relaunched with new presenters.

Derek was also the second host of the game show The Big Money Game. He took over in 2009 and hosted it until 2011.

In 2010, he presented Fame: The Musical. This was an RTÉ reality talent competition. In 2011, he presented The Genealogy Roadshow, which helped people discover their family history. In 2012, he presented RTÉ's quiz show Who Knows Ireland Best?.

Eurovision and Other Roles

Derek Mooney has announced the points for Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest several times. He did this in 2000, 2009, 2010, and 2011. He is well-known for this role in Ireland.

In February 2015, Derek took on a new role. He became the executive producer for RTÉ Radio 1's nature and wildlife programs. This means he helps create and manage these shows.

Derek Mooney's Style

Derek Mooney is often seen announcing the points for Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is known for his special way of saying goodbye. His trademark farewell is "BYEEEE!"

Personal Life

Derek Mooney loves nature very much. He grew up in Donnybrook and now lives in Kilmacud, a suburb in south Dublin.

His hobbies include traveling, going to the cinema, exercising at the gym, and spending time with friends. He is a close friend of presenter Alan Hughes. Derek was the best man at Alan's wedding. In 2012, Derek had a guest role in the comedy TV series Mrs. Brown's Boys.

In 2012, Derek helped save a man's life. He saw a 57-year-old man collapse on a motorway. Derek quickly helped the man by pumping his chest. He managed to bring the man back to life. Derek and the man later appeared together on the radio show Liveline.