Spotsolas na Míosa - Caitríona Nic an tSaoir

This month we spoke with Caitríona Nic an tSaoir. Caitríona works in TG4 as a Marketing Editor / Producer and a Weather Presenter in TG4. But Caitríona didn’t start out working in the media, read the below interview to find out more about her career, the red carpet and her favourite phrase.

What are your main responsibilities in your role as Marketing Editor / Producer and Weather Presenter in TG4?

As Marketing Editor/Producer I am responsible for organising and producing video marketing projects for various platforms. I organise events such as the TG4 Music Awards and I work on various marketing and publicity campaigns for events such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the Women's All-Ireland Final. As a presenter, I am responsible for preparing and presenting the weather reports and also preparing and appearing in continuity items.

Do you take personal satisfaction from the work you are doing?

I love my role, I have insight into the world of on-camera and off-camera broadcasting, the work is diverse and I enjoy working with a vibrant and creative team.

You've had the opportunity to attend fun events such as the BAFTA Awards, what are your professional highlights so far?

I thoroughly enjoyed the BAFTA Awards but there are highlights throughout. I thoroughly enjoy Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Gradam Ceoil, the Women's All-Ireland Finals, etc. each year. There is a tremendous surge in Irish in every aspect of Irish life at present.

How do you prepare for interviews on the red carpet?

The first thing the team does is discuss what we are trying to accomplish with the interviews, such as focusing on the films and programmes that TG4 is involved in. We then research the guests to be interviewed. Next, we agree on the best questions . Of course you have to be flexible depending on which direction the conversation goes.

How did you learn your Irish?

My parents raised me with Irish in the rural community of Creggan in County Antrim. Then I studied Irish in secondary school and went to the Gaeltacht regularly in the summer. I had a great time in Magheraroarty, Co. Donegal, where Gael Linn has a wonderful college which made me fall in love the language and culture. Irish was central to my immersion course at university and there was plenty of Irish spoken in Belfast at the time.

You're often wearing fashionable clothes, where do you find your style?

I have two sisters so there's no shortage of advice available! I like to follow Julie Lellouche, Carrie Bankston, Sinéad Gannon for fashion and I like Scandi style as well. I get clothes from various sources like Kaiia, Gina Tricot, NA-KD all through ASOS and Vinted as well.

You started out as a teacher, were you afraid to start a new career?

It's always difficult to up and leave when you have a permanent job for something new and unkown. I had started a master's course in Management and Digital Business when I was still teaching and this gave me confidence that I could take on new challenges in the world of employment. It wasn't long after starting the course that I saw an announcement from TG4 about a job in the Communications Department and when I read and thought about the job description, I was confident that I could take on the new challenges of the job. Thankfully, I was greeted with a warm welcome and joined a supportive and encouraging team.

Would you have any suggestions for anyone who would like to take the plunge and start a new career?

Don't let fear stop you from applying for jobs. It's always a good idea to do courses that help your employability. Have the confidence to follow your dreams.

Do you think Irish was an advantage when you were on the job hunt? 

In my case, Irish was essential, as it is in many jobs. In addition, Irish is a major advantage, even in jobs where the Irish language is not central.

How do you relax after a day's work?

I love the outdoors, walking by the sea and being in the company of good friends. I also enjoy hot yoga, reading and cooking.

What is your favorite word or phrase?

Fá dtaobh de - about, around, concerning.