They say a change is as good as a rest, and this weekend, Ireland AM viewers were introduced to a new face that many will recognise, but generally on a different show.
The morning show welcomed news anchor and reporter Aisling Roche, who fitted in perfectly with her co-presenters, Martin King and Eric Roberts.
While this was the first time that Aisling helped host this show, she was a true natural and many of those watching just loved her! But who is the Cork native that turned heads on Saturday morning?
Aisling Roche from Virgin Media News pictured at the Breast Cancer Ireland Christmas lunch at Marco Pierre White’s Restaurant in Donnybrook, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Growing up…
Aisling is originally from Cork and is the youngest of two. She went to a mixed secondary school, St Peter’s Community School in Passage West.
So impressed with her success, the school invited her back in 2024 to deliver a speech on her journey and to present awards to many of their students.
From a young age, the Cork native always had a true grá for media, particularly radio, and as soon as she was old enough, she began her career in community radio.
Pic: Aisling Roche/Instagram
Making her way in the media world…
At 17, Aisling started working in community radio and then, in her twenties, went on to one of the county’s biggest stations, Cork’s 96FM and C103, as a news anchor.
However, for most people trying to make it in the media world, Dublin is the place to be. Moving to the captial she worked with Newstalk, Today FM and a network that held in and around 25 local and regional stations around the country.
Pic: Aisling Roche/Instagram
A few years later, an opportunity came up in Virgin Media News, and Aisling went from the radio waves to in front of the camera, delivering the news nationwide.
This weekend, the news anchor made the jump to Ireland AM, fitting in perfectly with Martin and Eric.
Viewers loved the Aisling presenting, with one stating, ‘You did a wonderful job presenting…I’d love to see her on again,’ while another said, ‘Aish’ playing a stormer as always. Weekend Contract sign up asap.’
With this being her first show, Irish people were very impressed, and as many of you know, this is not an easy thing to do.
Aisling Roche and Byron Callaghan pictured at the Breast Cancer Ireland Christmas lunch at Marco Pierre White’s Restaurant in Donnybrook, Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Off camera
While she is not delivering the news, Aisling is getting ready for her big day. Due to walk down the aisle in May, she is getting set to marry her long-term partner, Byron.
Byron, who is a project manager, stole her heart when the two of them worked together in Today FM and Newstalk.
Pic: Aisling Roche/Instagram
Aisling shared pictures of the pair out on a boat with the town of Positano in the background, as she flashed the stunning diamond ring on her left hand.
With her first presenting gig on the breakfast show a huge success, could this mean we may see more of the future? We sure hope so.