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.