This much I know: Mary Kennedy

My work is far from nine to five. Sometimes I’m going hell for leather, sometimes things are quiet.

I have to be flexible and always really look forward to the down time.

Thanks to Nationwide, it feels like I’ve visited everywhere in the country but there are always surprises and new places. I was just in Ardfield Rathbarry in West Cork for the first time and it was very uplifting to see the community spirit there.

If I could change one thing in Irish society it would be homelessness. Every time I see someone sleeping rough I think it could be my son, daughter, brother, me — I’ve huge admiration for people like Brother Kevin Crowley, Sister Stan and Fr Peter McVerry. They are unassuming people who do a lot for the marginalised.

I have a practicing faith and find it comforting. I’m hopeful and optimistic that there is some kind of afterlife. I live my life with that in mind.

I believe that what’s for you won’t pass you, but you have to put in a bit of effort to help it along. If you put in the work you will get the rewards.

The biggest challenges in my life so far have been the death of my parents and the fact that my marriage didn’t last. Although it is eleven years since my mother passed away I still miss her now, but in a different way to how I missed her initially.

My way of coping is to try and live in the moment. Life is short and time shouldn’t be wasted. People are what matters, not things or status.

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. So I went to UCD and studied Irish and French, both of which I taught. I saw an advertisement by RTÉ looking for part-time continuity announcers and applied in secret. Being from Clondalkin I didn’t want people to think I was getting notions above myself!

I was the eldest and a very shy, serious child. I am still shy but I never let that stop me doing things. In the same way, I’d never use the fact that I felt nervous about something as an excuse not to try it out. I believe in feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

Presenting Eurovision was definitely one of my career highlights — it was daunting but such a thrill and an honour.

The most important trait for any reporter is to actually be interested in people. I cannot be put in a room with someone without wanting to know who they are, where they’re from.

I am a terrible worrier. It is not good but I can’t seem to change — my mother was the same. I worry about everything, big and small stuff. When you have four kids there is always something on your mind.

I enjoy getting outdoors and doing the things that make me feel good, like running. I run at least three times a week.

I’m a big supporter of many charities, including To Russia With Love — there are still tickets for our fundraising lunch on September 13. It’s a great cause — I went to visit some of the orphanages they support last year and saw firsthand how they have transformed the lives of those children. What I saw were happy children who would otherwise be street children.

To Russia with Love will host an Inspiring Women’s Lunch on Fri, Sept 13, in The Marker Hotel, Dublin. Women including Norah Casey, CEO of Harmonia, Sunday Independent editor Anne Harris and Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of National Maternity Hospital Holles Street will share their stories on a range of topics from divorce to career challenges. For tickets or more info see www.torussiawithlove.