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I’m Gráinne. I’m a sports and entertainment presenter and MC for corporate events. For more than 15 years, I’ve worked as a presenter with TG4, RTÉ and the BBC, as well as anchoring GAAGO, the GAA’s live championship streaming service. I’ve fronted Sky Sports’ GAA championship coverage. I’ve contributed to The Sunday Game, and many radio programmes. As an event host and MC, I’ve worked with AIB, Allianz, Bord Gáis Energy, Federation of Irish Sport, the GAA, Medtronic, Notre Dame, Paralympics Ireland, Pittsburgh Steelers, Special Olympics, University of Galway, and many more.

I love Irish culture. I’m a proud Gaeilgeoir and I’ve covered GAA, soccer, rugby, basketball, badminton, and athletics as Gaeilge. More recently, I’ve branched out into presenting TV series about Irish sporting history. In 2020, I was honoured to be Ambassador for the Seachtain na Gaeilge campaign with Energia.

I also love traditional Irish music. In 2018, I presented Gradaim Ceoil TG4, the Oscars of Irish traditional music live from Belfast. I’ve won All-Ireland medals at Fleadh Cheoils. I didn’t know it at the time, but this turned out to be the ideal grounding for a life in presenting: from a young age, I learned to handle the pressure that goes with performing in front of crowds.

My path to my current career was anything but conventional. A phrase that’s stayed with me is “leap and the net will appear”, and it sums up my approach to life. My first job was as a teacher; by chance I saw an advert for a sports researcher in Foinse, the Irish language newspaper. I applied for the job that night, moved to Waterford soon after and started a whole new career. But the experience of the classroom stood to me, giving me the confidence to communicate with groups.

This varied background means I’m comfortable on stage or in front of the camera – always happiest when I’m fully prepared but also ready for any last-minute changes, which can often happen with live TV!

I’m originally from Monaghan, and I still call it home. After several years being based in Dublin for work, these days I live in the Conamara Gaeltacht with my husband and three children.

It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’ve loved every moment.

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Accomplished All Rounder

Versatile sports and entertainment TV broadcaster and events MC, able to engage audiences and make any occasion memorable.

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Presenter

Presenter

Broadcasters like Sky, RTE, BBC, and TG4 have trusted me to present sports and entertainment shows for more than 15 years

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MC & Corporate Events

Make your event memorable; I’ll tailor my presenting style to suit your needs – always engaging, entertaining and fun

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Presentation Skill Coach

From my live TV experience, I’ll share the techniques I rely on to help you communicate with confidence – whatever the occasion

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Writing and Speaking

Fluent as Gaeilge and in English, I write newspaper columns and I’m also available for voiceover work in both languages

“If you were to look up the definition of ‘professionalism’ in the dictionary, I dare say you would see the name Gráinne McElwain. When GAAGO undertook a major production and presentation brief in 2023, launching into the domestic Irish market, it was crucial to have our extensive coverage anchored by a seasoned live broadcast lead. Gráinne ably fulfilled this role; she was an ever-present steady hand that moderated an insightful panel discussion weekly and enhanced the viewer experience no end. Her roots and subsequent industry experience to date makes her one of the foremost presenter / moderator professionals in Ireland.”

Noel Quinn Head of GAAGO & GAA Marketing

“Gráinne has masterfully hosted several of our major annual award ceremonies over the past three years. A consummate professional, Gráinne is always well prepared, excellently presented and delivers in a natural style, engages audiences, and ensures your event will run smoothly and on-time every time. It’s a pleasure to work with Gráinne”

Clare Louise O'Donoghue Head of Commercial & Marketing, Federation of Irish Sport

“Gráinne brought an unparalleled blend of Gaelic charm, engaging demeanour, and meticulous preparation to the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Her professionalism and enthusiasm helped create an electric atmosphere, captivating Notre Dame American Football fans, and the casual Irish spectator. Her seamless crowd interaction elevated our game to new heights, making her the go-to choice for anyone seeking THE premier Irish in-game emcee.”

Don Scott Assistant Athletic Director, Fan Experience, Notre Dame Athletics

“Gráinne did an excellent job of hosting the inaugural Irish League of Credit Unions conference in November 2023. This was a key event for us, bringing together for the first time, a mix of staff and volunteers from credit unions across the island of Ireland to look at ‘Unlocking the Potential of Credit Unions’. From the initial briefing meetings before the conference, right through to her time on stage, Gráinne was knowledgeable about our sector, professional and enthusiastic what she could bring to enhance the event. She was a key member of our team and as MC and facilitator, combined energy, humour, warmth and presence to maximise engagement with attendees over the two-days of the event. We look forward to working with Gráinne again.”

David Malone CEO Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU)

“I worked with Gráinne when she began her career. Her diligence, professionalism and warm personality was the perfect combination for career progression. She has never lost those key attributes but instead she invested herself in her work to ensure she did ultimate justice to herself, her employer and the sport she was covering”

Declan McBennett Group Head of Sport, RTÉ

Team Player

Organising events can be stressful; I get that. So I make a point of being easy to work with. Whatever the occasion, I can follow the brief or bring ideas and suggestions as needed.

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