Síomha Ní Ruairc

Síomha is a TV personality and is one of three people who host the How to Gael podcast, let's find out a little about her! 

Did you always work in the media sector? 

It happened by accident! I've probably always been interested in media but I never consciously decided to work in the sector. A friend of mine recommended me to a production company that was looking for a female presenter, I did a screen test and now it's my career! 

You mostly work weekends on Ireland AM but would you be interested in switching to Monday to Friday? 

I do some shifts during the week now and then if cover is needed but I really like the weekend crew and the content. The content is a little lighter during the weekends. 

Does the programme involve a lot of research? 

Yes – the researchers and producers do most of the research! They do a fantastic job and send us comprehensive notes a day before each broadcast. I have a little bit of studying to do then myself, and of course a little of my own research, but the majority of the work is done by the production team. 

Of all the programmes you present, which one do you enjoy the most? 

Filming Grá ar an Trá was a unique experience! Being away from home for two weeks with a group of people, all with the same goal – to create a first-class tv programme – I loved it so much. It felt like a holiday. 

Where did you get your love for the Irish language? 

I was raised with Irish at home. My mother speaks Irish and we only spoke Irish in the house when we were growing up! I probably didn't realise how lucky I was to speak it, as I also attended Irish-medium schools and it was the norm around me, until I started university and I met other people on my course who didn't speak it. 

Tell us about How to Gael? How did it start? What are you up to? 

I love the How To Gael project. It's a bilingual podcast hosted by myself, Louise Cantillon and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. We're friends who all work in the media sector, and we all speak Irish. The idea came about while we were on a night out and at first I wasn't too sure – it felt like there were so many podcasts out there already! But it's clear that there was a gap in the market for something like this because the podcast is going from strength to strength and we have a large, active audience. We put out an episode a week and we could discuss anything! 

You had a worldwide tour earlier this year, how was that? 

Crazy! We had so much fun – it was my first time in New York but we had a big night in Boston the night before and I almost ruined the day in New York by being shattered! We all agree that we are not in a rush to do another international trip anytime soon. But isn’t it great to meet people all over the world who are interested in your project? 

Which place did you like best and why? 

Vancouver was special – I have a connection to the place because my great-great-grandfather moved there years ago. And I met someone who was related to him –  live on stage. So crazy! 

What else is in store for Síomha Ní Ruairc  in the coming months? 

Great question! Between the few different projects I have on hand, I don't have much time to add more to my list but I would like to focus on those projects and improve my presenting skills – there are always things to improve! 

What is your favorite Irish word or phrase? Why? 

Where your heart is, your feet will take you.