WFUV Names Shannon Spillane New Co-Host of CEOL NA NGAEL

New York public radio station WFUV (90.7 FM/wfuv.org) has named Shannon Spillane as co-host of the popular program, Ceol na nGael ("Music of the Irish"), which airs Sundays from 12-4 p.m. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Ceol na nGael has always been hosted by Fordham University students. Shannon, a rising sophomore, joins Megan Scully, a senior, effective July 6, and replaces recent graduate Tara Cuzzi, whose last program will be June 29.

Shannon has been immersed in Irish music and culture her entire life. Her grandparents are from Kerry and Cork, and she has been back to Ireland at least a dozen times. Shannon began Irish step-dancing when she was 5 years-old and has played Gaelic Football since she was 12. A Katonah, NY resident, she continues to play Gaelic football for two New York clubs and has twice traveled to Ireland to compete against Irish and other international teams. Shannon's memories are filled with Sunday afternoon car rides traveling to a feis, soccer, or Gaelic football game, while listening to Ceol na nGael on WFUV with her parents and brothers.

Shannon says, "I am very excited to be a Ceol na nGael co-host and truly honored to be part of a program that has kept the tradition of Irish music and culture alive for 40 years."

"Shannon has been a hard-working and enthusiastic member of the Ceol na nGael team since last fall," says co-producer Maura Monahan. "We can't wait to see what new flavor and insight she'll bring to the program when she moves into the studio this summer."