Seán Rocks presents ARENA, RTÉ Radio 1’s flagship arts and entertainment programme (Mon-Fri 7.30 – 8.30p.m.) He has interviewed many major writers, actors, musicians and artists including Martin Sheen, Janis Ian, John Banville, Brendan Gleeson, Roddy Doyle, and Marina Carr. 

He has been working with RTÉ Radio since 2000 and previously guest-presented The Arts Show and Spirit Moves (RTE’s ethical debate programme) and Rattlebag. He has also produced, written and presented several series for Radio 1. He previously worked with RTÉ Lyric Fm as presenter on several strand programmes including The Lyric Breakfast, Lunchtime Choice, The Lyric Pitch and CultureFile.

He regularly hosts concerts and events at major venues around the country (NCH, Áras an Uachtarán, Cork City Hall, University of Limerick) and was widely praised for his role as MC at the State Banquet in Dublin Castle during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland last year.

Prior to broadcasting he worked extensively as an actor both at home and abroad, appearing at the Abbey, Peacock and Gate Theatres and with many important independent companies including Rough Magic, Druid and Field Day. He has worked at the Royal Court, National, Donmar Warehouse and Tricycle theatres in London and received high acclaim for his performance in Frank Pig Says Hello, Pat Mc Cabe’s adaptation of his novel The Butcher Boy which toured nationally and to New York, Melbourne and throughout the UK. On TV he has worked for RTÉ, BBC, Screen 2 and Thames TV. 

He is originally from Monaghan.