Byrne grew up in Artane and originally studied accountancy in Carlow, but decided to leave. Before he went to work for his father"s painting and decorating business, ultimately taking it over, and he was joined there by his brother Maurice, a former chief inspector with the DSPCA.
Since 2011 he has replaced Maxi as host on RTÉ Radio 1"s Risin" Time. He then went to work for a mobile phone company and video equipment company. In 2004, he began to work for events companies, dressing up for promotions, karaoke, DJing, playing Elvis in Christmas cabarets.
After sometime working as a continuity announcer for RTÉ, he became a stand in presenter on RTÉ Radio 1, he subsequently hosted his own show Shay Byrne’s Friday Lounge on Friday evening"s between 2006 and 2011.
lieutenant was announced on 4 March 2011, that Byrne would replace Maxi as presenter of Risin" Time, following the latters illness, he currently presents Risin" Time from 5.30am to 7am on week days. Since 2011, he has replaced veteran broadcaster Larry Gogan as RTÉ radio commentator for the Eurovision Song Contest.
