The Shape I’m In: Siobhan Ryan, broadcast meteorologist

SIOBHAN RYAN’S classmates and college friends remind her that she always wanted to be a broadcast meteorologist.

“As a family, we always watched the weather together. I was naturally drawn to it. I just enjoy it,” she says,

The youngest in a family of three, she has been presenting the RTÉ weather for five years.

“At the beginning, it put the fear of God in me. You have no autocue. I was on tenterhooks for the first year — you have to get the weather right.”

Preparedness is key to dealing with those anticipatory nerves, she says.

“I remind myself it’s about the message, not about me, and that I’m lucky to be doing a job I love. I allowed myself enjoy the job. I became my own cheerleader. I listen to any kind of feedback. We’re all a work in progress,” she says.

In her 30s, Siobhán says “never say never” when it comes to the possibility of presenting on mainstream TV. “But at the moment, I find weather totally satisfying. I take the job as it comes and I’d like to perfect it,” she says.

She acknowledges that one of the job’s perks is getting the chance to wear great clothes.

“I like fashion and I love casual [wear]. I like Reiss and sometimes Karen Millen. I go online. When I go shopping, I normally go with a purpose. I know what I want whether it’s a black jacket to go with numerous outfits or a white shirt. I hunt it out until I get what I want,” she says.

What shape are you in?

I’m in reasonable shape, physically and mentally. I do pilates on Monday mornings. I also do a dance class. Sometimes, in the mornings, I walk the family dog, a Yorkshire terrier. I walk a lot — whenever and wherever I can. I’d walk to work except I’d be lugging my notes, my dinner and my clothes.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t eat much red meat. More than anything I eat fish. I limit myself to one good coffee a day — the rest of the time, I drink hot water or nettle tea. I stop eating once I’m full and I eat slowly. I don’t smoke and I drink in moderation.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Flat whites, chilli crisps and on Saturday mornings I have a penchant for French toast with fruit compote and crème fraîche.

What would keep you awake at night?

The weather literally would keep me awake. I work a shift roster because the weather doesn’t close its doors.

When I’m not in RTÉ, I’m in the meteorology building on Glasnevin Hill. I’m either doing early mornings there or 12-hour night shifts (8pm-8am). The hardest part is the drive home in morning rush-hour traffic.

That night I get back into my routine but it would be the next night before I’m back in my groove.

How do you relax?

I enjoy listening to music and I like to read. I’ve got three books on the go at the moment. I like to read stuff I can learn from. I go for evening walks especially on clear nights when I can look at the moon. I find it humbling and settling at the same time. It’s nice that, no matter where we are in the world, we all share the view of the night sky.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I was a massive fan of The Doors when I was growing up. My walls as a teenager were plastered with posters of them. I still enjoy their music so I’d invite them.

What’s your favourite smell?

Lilac. It reminds me of early summer.

What would you change about your appearance?

I have eczema. That’s what I’d change. I’ve had it since I was a child and it’s a bit of a constant battle. It comes if I’m stressed or tired and sometimes it occurs for no reason at all. It’s a lot about controlling your triggers. On TV, I cover up with long sleeves.

When did you last cry?

Two weeks ago — I won’t say anymore.

What trait do you least like in others?

People who lack kindness, who are aggressive or who have an unhealthy degree of cynicism. Also those who are disrespectful to the environment — I find it upsetting to see people throw litter away that they could recycle.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m a bit of a home-bird, which can be limiting.

Do you pray?

Not routinely. When times are hard I say my prayers and I do find myself praying the odd time to my guardian angel.

What would cheer up your day?

The family dog, Toby, and the family cat, Snowy. And it cheers me up when I see fair-weather cumulus — those fluffy friendly clouds that bob along. You know it’s going to be a straightforward weather day when you see those.