Kieran Walsh from Leamy Street in Waterford City will be a contestant on the famous TV show Countdown later this year.

The Channel 4 programme, which has been running for nearly 40 years, tests the literacy and numerical skills of contestants, with each episode culminating in the Countdown Conundrum.

Countdown is a staple of British television and has made stars out of its presenters, in particular the late Richard Whiteley, the show's first host, and maths genius Carol Vorderman.

Local man Kieran is flying over for filming in April.

Ahead of that he joined Damien on Déise Today. He said when he gets a chance to watch TV, Countdown, The Chase and Pointless would be among his favourites.

Kieran explained to Damien how he randomly came across the application to go on Countdown, but didn't make it through to the next stage as he hadn't prepared.

However, he did a spoof of "Dictionary Corner," a feature of Countdown, through his own Facebook page through Lockdown, which inspired him to reapply. This time he was successful.

You can listen to Kieran's chat with Damien, through the link in this podcast.

And for all Déise podcasts, click here.