“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.”
“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”
“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.”
“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.”
“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”
“I first worked with Gráinne in 2020 and she is a joy to work with. She’s a consummate professional, always thorough and brings warmth and personality to her performance on screen. More than that, she gets the best out of those around her, putting her guests and viewers at ease”
“Tá aithne agus cáil náisiúnta ar Ghráinne mar gheall ar a stíl aoibhinn, compordach mar phearsa teilifíse. Is iomaí dúshlán a chuirtear roimh láithreoir ar imeachtaí beo agus léirigh Gráinne i gcónaí gur craoltóir den scoth í lena fuinneamh, dícheall agus pearsantacht álainn”
“Watching Gráinne on screen, working with Gráinne or being in Gráinne’s company is a very comfortable and equally enjoyable experience. Her credibility with Gaelic Games athletes and with the traditional music community creates a bond with the audience and this means that she always delivers as a broadcaster”
“Gráinne hosted an ‘In Conversation’ event on campus at University of Galway that had a small audience and was streamed live online to an international audience. Gráinne was extremely professional in her approach and gave a real Irish welcome. She set a perfect tone for our event which included senior leaders from the University and business. She gave us great confidence and handled the event with expertise. We would highly recommend Gráinne and we look forward to working with her again in the future”
Tá Gráinne ar dhuine de na príomhiriseoirí spóirt sa tír agus tá an t-ádh orainn gur Gaeilgeoir í! Tá sé ag scríobh do Seachtain le blianta anuas agus tugann léargas uathúil agus géarchúiseach dúinn ar chúrsaí spóirt, in amháin in Éirinn ach ar fud an domhain. Ar ndóigh tá eolas cruinn agus domhain aici ar spórt, ach tá colún aici i Seachtain fosta ina gcuireann sí cúrsaí spóirt i gcomhthéacs an tsaoil. Cuireann sí béim go háirithe ar mheabhairshláinte agus ar chothromaíocht a thabhairt do mhná sa spórt, agus fosta ar an dóigh a gcuireann spórt – go háirithe clubanna Chumann Lúthchleas Gael – le saibhreas pobail ar fud na tíre, go mórmór faoin tuath.
Gráinne is one of the country’s leading sports writers – and it’s a bonus for Irish speakers that she’s an enthusiastic Gaeilgeoir to boot! She has been writing for Seachtain for several years now and she provides a unique and insightful critique of sport, not only in Ireland but worldwide. As well as her weekly sports reports and previews, she also writes a sports column in Seachtain where she often puts sport into the context of our daily lives, with a particular emphasis on mental health and also the battle for women’s equality in sport. And being from rural Ireland, she is able to write authoritatively on the amazing role the GAA clubs play in enriching communities throughout the country, but especially in rural areas.
“Gráinne did a phenomenal job emceeing the Pittsburgh Steelers Global Markets announcement for the Island of Ireland at Croke Park in May of 2023. Her passion and personality shined through the microphone and set the perfect tone for what the Steelers wanted to deliver to audience that day. The Steelers are excited to continue to work with Gráinne at future events in Ireland! She’s a Pro!”
“Gráinne kindly hosted our first in-person Special Olympics Volunteer Awards in September 2023. A true professional, Gráinne’s preparation for the event gave us confidence that our event would be in safe hands. Her gentle warm style of interviewing got the very best out of those she interviewed. It was a pleasure to work with Gráinne and we would highly recommend her.”
“In her Irish News column, Gráinne gets to the heart and soul of the GAA. It’s clear she has an in-depth knowledge and feel for the issues and emotions that run deep within the communities that are the lifeblood of the Association. She is equally adept at shining a light on the tireless volunteers as she is at examining the superstars of the game and what makes them tick.”
