Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh 

Television personality, raised in Ráth Chairn Glas Gréine na Mí but now living in Dublin 

Most of us think you were born in Ráth Chairn but I think we are wrong? 

I was born in Canada but I was raised in Ráth Chairn and in the Meath Gaeltacht in a very small village called LAMBAY! My mother's family came from Connemara to Ráth Chairn in 1937 and my father's family before that in 1935. 

We all know you for being a television personality, but what did you study after your leaving certificate? 

Nothing! I was in RTÉ at the age of 18 and then 10 years ago I did a Masters in UCD, studying Women and Gender Studies and I would like to go on and get a Doctorate in the same subject but from my perspective as a Gael. 

You have spent over 30 years on the country's screens, is there any particular programme or series that stands out to you that you have ever done? 

There was one programme that I really liked called Moment of Truth. I spoke to people who had gone through great difficulties in their lives but had come out of it to some extent, but the difference was that they had received help and were ready to talk about it. 

When you are doing the Nationwide, can you tell us the preparation that has to be done for each programme? Does it involve a lot of traveling? What are the biggest surprises that you see when you are amongst different communities around the country? 

I travel a lot but I love it. The thing that surprises me the most is the community and the importance of a community like ourselves as Gaels. We are a community, even though we are small, we are a community! 

What are the biggest changes that you see in the Irish language from a work perspective? 

I see big changes with State policies, the Irish language television and radio advertisements have had a big impact. But as we know, there are all kinds of people fighting for language and human rights. But I am hopeful. 

What are the biggest changes that you can see with the Irish language from a personal/family-raising perspective? 

Personally and certainly with age, I do get very lonely when I don't speak Irish regularly and my identity is more important to me than ever. 

Is it difficult to raise a child with Irish in a city? 

It is difficult! We were lucky to have gaelscoileanna around us, but a huge effort is needed to maintain the Irish language among English speakers. 

How do you feel when it comes to football and Dublin are playing Meath? What colours do you wear? 

This answer is complicated, my son plays for Dublin so I support him wholeheartedly. I was raised in Co. Meath but I also support Galway. So in short "it depends on the day". 

I heard you had a dog named Poitín. Why did you name him Poitín? 

Poitín has passed away, but we called her Poitín because the children thought the name was beautiful when they were young. 

What are your fondest memories growing up? 

When I was young, my father allowed me to attend the Oireachtas na Samhna festival in Dublin, but I thought this Irish gathering was as close to heaven as it gets!