Cork musician David proud as Punch to make his TV debut

Cork-based musician David Punch is set to make his major television debut as part of the new series, The Assembly Ireland.

Premiering on Monday, January 19, the show features a panel of neurodivergent interviewers. As an artist who has been candid about his own journey with autism, David joins 30 neurodivergent people tasked with grilling some of the biggest names in Irish public life.

The upcoming season features high-profile guests including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Ryan Tubridy, comedian Joanne McNally, and Rosie O’Donnell.

Facilitated by Muireann O’Connell, the show ensures no topic is out of bounds. Known for his soulful vocals and as a finalist in Today FM’s “Ireland’s Next Big Busker,” Mr Punch brings a unique perspective to the interviewer’s chair. Mr Punch is a 30-year-old musician from Cork, who has graced stages across Ireland and internationally, and is also a vocal advocate for autism acceptance. He attended Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa’s music, management and sound course after graduating from computer science in MTU, then known as CIT.

The musician has long used his platform to inspire others, including the release of his track Different, which reflects his experiences growing up with autism and being bullied for it in school.

Mr Punch told The Echo: “I am delighted to announce that I’ll be on the Irish version of The Assembly. 

"It is a collection of autistic and neurodivergent people interviewing celebrities where no questions are off-topic. I’m really looking forward to everyone seeing it.”

In addition to the series premiere, David is scheduled to appear on Ireland AM on the morning of January 19, 2026, to discuss his experience on the show.

The Assembly Ireland will premiere on Monday, January 19, 2026 on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play, continuing weekly for four episodes. 

Based on the hit format from Can’t Stop Media, the show is produced by Kite Entertainment with support from Coimisiún na Meán’s sound and vision funding scheme.