Sinéad Ní Uallacháin was born and raised in West Kerry, and from then on, has been submerged in the Irish language, working across media as a producer, presenter, actor and more.
What inspired you to pursue a career through Irish?
I don’t think it was a conscious decision. I have always worked in Irish-speaking jobs, from working in the post office in Ventry to working as a waitress in the Blasket Centre fadó. It happened naturally.
Did you have any mentors or certain people in your life who moulded your love for the Irish language and culture?
My family, without a doubt. The community from the drama groups I used to be a part of, especially Amharclann na nÓg in Dingle and Aisteoirí Bulfin in Dublin played a big part in it as well.
How did you get into radio and media?
By accident! I had another profession in mind, but when I couldn’t pursue that, I had to find a job. I got a job as a secretary in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and little by little I was given opportunities to present.
What was the biggest challenge you faced working in Irish media, and what did you learn from it?
I spent a period as a producer on a current affairs programme, Tús Áite (on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta), during Covid when the whole world was in a heap. It was a great experience and I’m much stronger in myself today because of it.
Is there a specific show, experience or moment that stands out to you as a highlight of your professional life?
I had the opportunity to work on a documentary about Peig Sayers, Peig. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope it had an impact on the mindsets of those who watched it.
You were the presenter of the show Síor-Stíl at the beginning of this year – how did this programme impact you and your own sense of style?
I moved to Conamara to film Síor-Stíl and I loved that change of scenery. A change is as good as a rest they say. We’ve just finished filming season 2 and I didn’t buy any new clothes for the programme. I went looking and found a load of outfits in my wardrobe!
What is the biggest crime against fashion, in your opinion?
Being too focused on other people’s fashion advice. Be confident in your own style.
What are the most effective ways, in your opinion, to bring the Irish language into people’s daily life?
I’d recommend having the radio on in the background when youre going about your day. You will be learning unbeknownst to yourself and there’s a wide range of stations to listen to: RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Life, Raidió Fáilte, without even mentioning podcasts.
Do you see a space for a new generation of Irish-language presenters and creators, especially on digital platforms?
I do, indeed. There is so much creativity within people and TikTok is a brilliant platform (though I am still obsessed with Insta reels) to put yourself out there.
What vision do you have for the Irish language in the next ten years?
That people will show more respect for the language overall and that the future generations will be speaking it constantly.
If you were to have dinner with anybody in “saol na Gaeilge”, dead or alive, who would it be?
Can I pick two people? Siún Ní Dhuinn agus Áine Ní Bhreisleáin. They’re great friends of mine and we host the podcast Beo ar Éigean together. We’d have great laughs and get to fill our stomachs!