Work With Me

Professional, experienced, enthusiastic, and fun to work with, I genuinely care. Whatever the event, I want it to be the best that I’ve done. I’m curious by nature; I love talking to people and finding out their stories. So when I’m interviewing guests on stage or on camera, my role is to help them to shine in the spotlight and enjoy the occasion.

In the runup to an event or a show, I spend time preparing, getting the questions right to put my guests at ease and bring the best out of them. I also think about the audience: if they’re engaged and entertained, then I’ve done my job well.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Presenter

I’m thrilled that so many top-class broadcasters trust me to anchor their coverage of Gaelic games, rugby, basketball, badminton, athletics or soccer. A huge amount of work goes into the prep: research and interviews, meeting with the production team, and rehearsals with guests.

Experienced: 15+ years presenting live and pre-recorded TV
Dynamic: well organised and able to adapt as the show dictates

Broadcasting

I have a varied broadcasting background, having worked with RTÉ, Sky, BBC, and TG4 on many different sports and entertainment shows for more than 15 years. As a presenter and a producer, I’ve been on both sides of the camera. This has given me an invaluable insight into what makes a live event work – and how it takes a team to make it a success.

MC & Corporate Events

I love working with crowds: I get a real energy from live audiences and being in the moment. As an MC, you’re learning about the occasion, the people being celebrated, and you hope by the questions you ask that the audiences are learning too.

Collaborative: I’m easy to work with – as repeat bookings prove
Entertaining: I show up well prepared, ready to engage the audience

MC - As Gaeilge + English

I love hosting corporate functions, fundraisers, awards ceremonies, and gala events. For me, it’s always about making guests feel comfortable, so I tailor my presenting style to suit the event – always aiming to make the occasion engaging, entertaining and fun. As a fluent Irish speaker, I can present as Gaeilge and in English, adding an extra cultural dimension to the proceedings.

Presentation Skills Coach

Drawing on my presenting experience, I provide coaching masterclasses on communicating effectively to an audience. I’ll share the techniques I rely on, like how to convey tone and warmth, the choice of language and even what to wear, so you’ll be the best version of yourself when presenting at any occasion. I’ll help you to silence your inner critic and deliver your message clearly, confidently, and with empathy.

Accomplished: I share tips from 15+ years as a TV presenter
Reassuring: I’ll help you overcome fear of public speaking

The Hybrid Way Partnership

My role is to give people confidence to realise they’re the experts in their field – unleashing their inner mentor! Partnering with The Hybrid Way (thehybridway.com) or in one-to-one sessions, I’ve coached leaders of all stripes. I especially love empowering women to take leadership roles.

Writing and Speaking

Writing allows me to shine a light on Irish culture and communities, rural life, mental health and more. I love telling the stories of sport’s unsung heroes: volunteers who are the heart and soul of the game, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Bilingual: I speak and write Irish and English fluently
All-rounder: as well as presenting, I also produce written and audio work

National Press & Radio Work

A fluent Irish speaker, I write newspaper columns as Gaeilge for the Irish Independent and in English for the Irish News, covering sport, history, culture, and more. I’m also available for voiceover work in Irish and English, having worked extensively in radio such as Today with Claire Byrne, Drivetime, The Marty Squad, Newstalk’s Off the Ball and Blas, BBC Northern Ireland’s Irish language programme.

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“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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