Derek Ryan is from Firhouse in Dublin. He has had a strong interest in media & film production from an early age and by the age of 16 Derek had been involved in the production of several short films made with the Kilkenny-based organisation Young Irish Film Makers. In 2001, during Transition Year in Templeogue College, Derek got invaluable experience working for The Den in RTE, the Irish Independent, in INN and, most notably, in AA Roadwatch where he remains to this day!!

Derek began broadcasting in 2004, delivering reports on Newstalk and Today fm.

He has a strong interest in all sports, particularly in football and hurling and despite false accusations of being a glory hunter, remains an avid supporter of Man Utd and Kilkenny hurling.

Derek holds a post graduate diploma in Journalism and Media Communications in Griffith College, Dublin and also holds a BA in Economics and French from UCD.