Where did you learn your Irish?

I didn’t grow up speaking Irish to my family, and I never attended a Gaelscoil, but I fell in love with the language while finishing secondary school. I had a better understanding of the language than perhaps most of my class, but my teacher (Ms. Conlon) really encouraged me to continue my learning and really helped me develop my passion for Irish. I’m very grateful to her as Irish has completely changed my life, and that’s no exaggeration!

Can you find much Irish in Limerick City?

Irish can be heard in Limerick City! It wouldn't be as common as the level of Irish heard on the streets of Galway, but it's still there! Groups such as ‘Comhluadar Luimnigh’ are undertaking a serious workload to promote the language in the city and county. They organise events all the time and are in high demand. I have been stopped in the streets by people to talk as Gaeilge when they heard me talking to my friends in Irish while out and about. I think that when space is created for the language and people who want to use it, it is heard more often.

During your time at the University of Limerick, you were elected as the Welfare Officer to the Students' Union. How did that experience affect you?

That year was very important to me. I wanted to give back to university communities after my graduation, and I wanted to campaign for important things such as health, mental health and community. I wanted to reconnect people after the pandemic. I'm very proud of what I achieved during my time as a welfare officer, but more than that, I'm happy to have met so many wonderful people around the university and to have helped implement changes and improve student life at the University of Limerick. I also did a lot of personal growth and development in that year in terms of managing staff and projects and really improved on things like public speaking and my interpersonal skills. Those are things I'm still using in my media career today.

Can you give us a few tips for anyone struggling with mental health?

Probably the most important thing is to talk to someone about it. It's true that two shorten a road, giorraíonn beirt bóthar. If you have a friend or professional such as a doctor or counsellor, it helps. It's not easy at the beginning, but if you can be brave enough to tell someone you're struggling, that can put you on the road to well-being. You are not alone, and there are always services and support for you.

You've done ‘Movember’ for several years now and have raised money for charity. Tell us about the charity and its importance to you.

I like Movember as a charity, as they aim to start conversations around men's health and mental health. I started raising money for them because of my own struggles with my mental health. When I was in a place where I was comfortable enough to openly say that I was struggling, I decided to speak publicly about it. If it could happen to me, it could happen to anyone. If people aren't speaking about those things, people won't realise that it's normal for people to struggle with their mental health from time to time.

New Year, New Seán? What's your New Year's resolution?

To be honest, I don't like New Year's resolutions. I think they create too much pressure, and people are disappointed if they can't run 5 km every day and go without eating anything other than vegetables and whole foods. My motto for this year is that 'I'll make a slightly better effort every single day’. If I can do 365 days of development, I'm sure I'll be in a much better place by the time 2027 arrives!

You have been working with the media for a few years. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I am very satisfied with everything I have done so far, and I know it is a privilege to be able to say so. It was definitely a highlight when I heard that I had been selected as one of the presenters on the first season of Cúla4 News along with my close friend Aisling Ní Dhonnabháin. I hope to achieve a lot more in the coming years!

Which do you prefer, radio or TV work? Why?

It’s hard to pick one. I love both because they are tools to build a connection with the community. My favourite thing about working in the media is that I know I'm speaking to people at home, in their cars or wherever and can sometimes provide them with information or a piece of entertainment.

You were in the first season of 'Grá ar an Trá', did you enjoy Love Island na nGael?

I have to say I loved it…even though I didn't find love… I'm proud that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone so much. I met some great people, and we had a lot of fun. I struggled during the show at one point, but I have to say that the crew and other lads in the house were very nice and supportive, and I was back to my old self again.

We're approaching Valentine's Day; do you have any dating advice?

I don't know if I'm the best one to give dating advice, but probably the most important thing is that you are always honest and not making any sort of assumptions about yourself. You don't have to invent a new personality to attract people. There is a person out there for everybody… I hope so anyway… If you're alone on the day and you're worried about it, plan to do something nice with a friend. Celebrate Pal-entines Day!!

From one Irish programme to another, Cillian is the newest member on the television programme Ros na Rún and you are the newest actor. Do you enjoy acting?

I have to say I am enjoying my acting journey so much. This is my first time ever doing any sort of acting and I was very nervous starting out, but I have to say that everyone on the set of Ros na Rún is fantastic. They are all very supportive and very open. I can ask them any time about anything. The other actors, those who are more experienced, are very generous with their experience and expertise. I have to mention Colm Ó Fáthartha, also known as ‘Evan’ on the programme. I've done a lot of scenes with him, and he couldn't be better as an acting partner!

Was it your plan when you were younger to pursue a career in Irish?

Not at all to tell the truth. The first job I wanted was to be a forward with Manchester United. However, I don't think my soccer skills were up to scratch as I was on the ‘C-team’ in the club at home… I wanted to teach while I was in secondary school and that’s why I chose to do a degree in Irish and History at the University of Limerick. When I finished, I realised that promoting the Irish language was my greatest passion and that I would be able to gain a bigger audience for that goal in the media. Since then, I have been working away to secure a job in the media to promote the Irish language…as well as having lots of fun.

Another Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin plays football with County Galway. Did anyone think you were a Galway football star?

It happened a few times when I phoned schools around Galway to investigate stories for Nuacht Cúla4 that they thought it was the other Seán calling. The teachers would tell the children that Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin was coming to school, and they weren't too impressed when I visited in place of the football hero…

What is your favourite word or phrase?

My favourite phrase is 'There is no flood, however great, that does not ebb away.’ (Níl tuile dá mhéad nach dtránn.) It’s a powerful concept and really helps me when I'm under pressure or struggling with things.