RTÉ Radio Star Maura Fay Announces Pregnancy: “Tiny Human, Big Chaos” on the Way
The airwaves are buzzing with exciting personal news from a familiar voice on Irish radio. Maura Fay, who recently transitioned from her popular role as co-host on “the 2 Johnnies” podcast to a presenter on RTÉ’s “Today Show,” has shared a heartwarming announcement: she and her husband, Ciaran McKenna, are expecting their first child. The couple shared the joyous news, with their little one expected to arrive later this summer.
Fay revealed the happy tidings through a touching social media post. The image featured an ultrasound scan alongside a darling baby bodysuit emblazoned with the words: “Baby Fay-McKenna, arriving July 2026.” The announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from friends and colleagues across the media landscape. Claire Byrne, who now hosts the “Today Show” following Fay’s departure, sent her warm wishes, commenting, “Congratulations Maura! The best news.” Model and influencer Rozanna Purcell also expressed her delight, adding, “Delighted for ye!” In a nod to Fay’s podcasting past, one friend humorously suggested, “If its a boy ye have to name him Johnny.”
Fay’s move to RTÉ Radio One marked a significant career shift. Back in July 2024, she made the difficult decision to step away from “the 2 Johnnies” podcast, a move she explained was necessary due to the demanding nature of her work commitments. At the time, Fay, who resides in County Meath, detailed the logistical challenges of juggling her commitments in Dublin and Tipperary. “I have jobs technically and I live in Meath so… I’ve one job in Dublin and one job in Tipperary and the amount of travelling I do and the amount of work I do,” she explained. “Something had to give.”
Reflecting on her departure from the podcast, Fay expressed a sense of bittersweetness. “You always say you want to go out on a high and I think that this is leaving at the perfect time,” she remarked. “I’m so sad to be going but I’ll still be friends with ye.” Her former podcast co-host, Johnny B, acknowledged the emotional impact of her farewell, recounting how the realization of her absence only hit him upon returning from a trip to America. “You told us a while ago and it only hit me coming back on the plane from America. I was thinking of the podcast, ‘Wow. Maura won’t be there,'” he shared during her final episode. Johnny Smacks echoed this sentiment, describing the day as “emotional.”
The news of Fay’s pregnancy comes at a time of significant personal milestones for those connected to “the 2 Johnnies.” Notably, Johnny B also recently welcomed his first child with his wife, Anna. Their baby, JJ, spent a period in the NICU before finally being able to go home, a journey that undoubtedly brought immense relief and joy to the family.
Fay’s new role on the “Today Show” has seen her engage with a wide range of topics and guests, showcasing her versatility as a broadcaster. Her transition from the more informal and often raucous environment of a podcast to the structured and informative setting of a national radio program has been a testament to her adaptability and professional growth. The upcoming arrival of her baby is sure to bring a new dimension to her life, adding a personal chapter to her already successful broadcasting career. The anticipation for “Baby Fay-McKenna” is palpable, and the Irish media community is eagerly awaiting updates on this exciting new phase for Maura Fay and Ciaran McKenna.
