The Off The Ball Family

Eoin McDevitt – Chief Sports Anchor

Eoin McDevitt

They say a good big ‘un always beats a little ‘un, and the same applies to radio presenters. Eoin McDevitt lost the battle with the weighing scales a few years ago, but it hasn’t stopped him winning the ratings war. Known as the nice guy of the team, Eoin finds time in his busy schedule to help out work experience girls, receptionists and the pizza delivery boy. Sorry ladies, Eoin has had a steady internet relationship for a few years now, which he says, along with watching WWE wrestling, takes up most of his free time.

Ken Early – Deputy to the Chief Sports Anchor

Ken Early

Off the Ball’s football correspondent Ken Early lives life in the public gaze, but the bright lights haven’t fazed this social climber. As likely to be seen at an FAI awards ceremony as he is at a BBQ in Larry Mullen’s house, Ken’s blonde bob is as much a part of Dublin life as a stroll down Stephen’s Green. Despite a promising early football career (Marseille trialist) Ken has since set his sights on being, as he says himself, ‘the best damn journalist that I can be’.

Ciaran Murphy – Assistant to the Deputy Chief Sports Anchor

Ciaran Murphy

Do you like Lenny Henry? Yes? Well then you’ll love Off the Ball researcher Ciaran Murphy. Never more at ease then when wearing a comedy wig or putting a whoopee cushion under the boss’s seat, Ciaran is the sporting clown that’s always ‘on’. His favourite phrases include ‘it takes more energy to smile than it does to frown’ and ‘how’s your wobbly bits?’, Ciaran is Newstalk’s in-house anti-depressant, except the only side effect with Murph is a few harmless giggles. Not that he doesn’t have a good work ethic, often putting in an 8 hour day when things get busy. This can-do spirit is all the more remarkable given Ciaran has a club foot, something he uses to his advantage, often working it as a prop in one of his many office gags.

Simon Hick – Ace reporter

Simon Hick

Throughout Simon ‘posh boy’ Hicks 47 years on planet earth, his chiseled physique and bronzed outline have resulted in him being pursued by man, woman and beast. With his raw sex appeal and surfing skills, he puts the “‘rad’ in award winning sports radio” – a phrase he likes to use on an almost twice daily basis. Outside of radio, Simons interests include working out, working out and working out some more. Often seen out on the town or ‘in the wild’ as he calls it, with best mates from the rugby world, Dublin’s Denis ‘trytime’ Hickie, big Vic Costello and the Blaney brothers. Three-time Rush regatta father and son sailing champion (this final fact is actually true).

Sports Readers

Cian Murtagh – When not choking live on air when rushing to sports bulletins, Cian Murtagh is the best in the business.