Dáithí Ó Sé Advocates for Better Sun Safety Awareness

Dáithí Ó Sé, a prominent Irish television presenter, highlights the growing awareness among the public regarding sun safety, but he insists there is still significant progress to be made. In a recent conversation with Extra.ie, Ó Sé reminisced about the past when bringing baby oil on holiday was commonplace. He noted that such practices are now largely viewed as outdated.

Reflecting on his own journey, Ó Sé revealed that he has transitioned from using minimal sunscreen to applying factor 50 every time he steps outside, a change driven by a personal health scare two years ago. “I don’t go out any day now without factor 50,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of consistent sun protection throughout the year. He added, “Even if it’s a cloudy day, even if I’m sitting inside in the car, it’s factor 50 in the morning and factor 50 in the afternoon.”

Ó Sé’s heightened vigilance about sun safety began after he discovered a small lump on his eyebrow, which he initially dismissed. However, a professional examination in early 2023 revealed it was a localized carcinoma, prompting surgery that involved cutting into the muscle around his eyebrow. He described this experience as a wake-up call regarding the dangers of sun exposure, stating, “It was only two millimeters, so I didn’t think it could be much… But she said, ‘No, it’s going to have to come out.’”

The diagnosis led Ó Sé to inquire about the cause of his condition, to which the specialist attributed it directly to sun damage from inadequate protection over the years. “I might not have taken much notice of warnings linking sun exposure to cancer around 10 years ago,” he acknowledged, adding that he had typically used lower protection, such as factor 10 or factor 15.

Research indicates that only three in ten men in Ó Sé’s age group consistently use sunscreen during the summer, a stark contrast to the approximately half of women who do. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap in sun safety awareness among men, particularly those aged 18 to 35, which Ó Sé attributes to a lack of education on the topic.

As he prepares for the upcoming 2025 Rose of Tralee festival, Ó Sé has adopted other healthy habits, including abstaining from alcohol until the event concludes. “It’s just a very busy time. I want to keep my head in a good place, so I’m minding myself,” he explained. He humorously anticipates celebrating once the festival is over, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this now.”

Despite criticism that the festival may be seen as outdated or regressive, Ó Sé remains steadfast in his belief that the event serves an important purpose. He stated, “For me, why it’s important and it works is that it is a celebration of Irish women. And when is a celebration of Irish women out of date? Never.” Ó Sé pointed out that the festival reflects the evolving career options and life experiences of Irish women and the diaspora over the decades.

He acknowledged that while there will always be detractors, the overall interest in the festival remains strong. “There’s a really positive appetite as well, and I think people are beginning to see it for what it is,” he said, emphasizing the enduring value of the event in celebrating Irish culture and heritage.

As Ó Sé prepares for another year as host, his commitment to both health and the celebration of Irish women highlights the evolving landscape of cultural events in Ireland.