Former journalist, one-time election candidate, self-employed media company owner, 'The Apprentice’ finalist, married mum of 2, wife of 1, media and political junkie, a radio-head, love my voice and telling a story and I take on a new challenge every year. Started my business the day the recession hit Ireland – October 2008. Eternal optimist but eternally unlucky, so I tryand create my own. This is my space! But come on in… the door is open and the kettle is on.
A native of Downings, I now live in Churchill, Co. Donegal. I’m married to Tom from Galway and have a 16-year old daughter Sophie and 2-year old son Bobby. My fabulous kids share the same birthday! You can imaginehow my heart smiled that date when fate intervened!
I am a person who is conscious of brand reputation, who loves a challenge but who is inherently shy. Not many will believe that.
I thoroughly enjoy living, in times of adversity I dig deep, keep calm and carry on. However, I am happy to report that my background is packed with examples of making change happen and making a space for myself in this world.
Studies
- BA English, Sociology & Politics, NUI, Galway
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Communications: PR, Print& Broadcast Journalism, NUI, Galway
- Masters Degree Journalism, NUI, Galway
- Certificate in Television Production, Direction & Presentation, Bil Keating Centre, Dublin
- Diploma in Management, Chartered Management Institute
- Certificate in Train the Trainer, ILM
- Certificate in Social Media Communications, Public Relations Institute of Ireland
- Certificate in Counselling, North West Counselling Services
- Certificate in Managing & MentoringPeople, LYIT
Career
Broadcast Journalist Highland Radio 2001-2004
Freelance contributor Today FM, INN, RTE, Downtown Radio (Ulster) 2001-2004
CEOLetterkenny Chamber 2004-2007
Lecturer in Public Relations at LYIT 2005-2006
Regional Development Executive, Chambers Ireland (BMW region) 2007-2008
CEO Strawberry Media, Letterkenny March-October 2008
Self-Employed, MD of Media Box, new multi-media company established in October 2008 inLetterkenny
Personal
Come from a farming background
6th of eight siblings
Single parent at the age of 17
Left home at 18
Returned to study the Leaving Certificate when Sophie was 6 weeks old
We both jumped on a bus to Galway at 19 and 2 years old and found ourselves like lost sheep in the City of the Tribes; we cycled daily from Salthill and we went to lectures together; we were best friends and lost souls; but we were together.
Lobbied for legislative changes to Third Level Education which discriminates against student parents under the age of 23 – still does in fact!
Love writing, speaking, executing my voice and striving for brilliance in my business.
Marriedat 29
Mum again at 31
Self-employed and self-obsessed with perfection
Professional Membership
Full Member Public Relations Institute of Ireland
Full Member Chartered Management Institute
Full Member National Union Journalists