This much I know: Róisín O’Hara, Broadcaster

I’m very hard on myself. I question my decisions time and time again.

I suppose I’ve always been a ‘performer’. My father is a wonderful traditional Irish musician and singer and I remember, as a child, eagerly awaiting my turn to get on the stage during one of his gigs to sing or do a spot of Irish dancing.

My dad always encouraged us to discuss current affairs and politics in the house. In school, I was hugely involved in debating and drama. Studying the BA Degree in Journalism in DCU was an obvious choice for me, though it never really dawned on me at that stage that I would end up in broadcasting per se.

I used to do a lot of video journalism when I was working for the RTÉ newsroom as a reporter. For me, the most advantageous aspect of VJing is the fact that it is only you and a camera. It was for that reason that I set out as a freelance video journalist after I left RTÉ nearly two years ago. My chat show, Róisín, on TG4 has been my priority in the last year.

The way Irish is taught in schools has really improved over the years. The emphasis used to be more on grammar and now, thankfully, pupils are encouraged to converse, communicate and understand the language as best they can.

I feel really passionate about my job, that I can make a difference to society, even in the smallest way. If an item I cover can shed light on an issue that is affecting someone, and/or can alter a person’s perception of something, then I feel I’ve accomplished something.

I think all working mothers strive for the perfect work life balance, but I don’t know if it’s attainable. I left a full-time, permanent, pensionable job two years ago to go freelance, thinking it would give me flexibility to spend more time with my four kids when it suited me rather than when it suited someone else. That has worked to a certain extent, but I’m still juggling.

I can be very disciplined when I’m focusing on something I really enjoy doing, but laundry is not one of those! I always do ‘TO-DO’ lists at night, as I find it helps me sleep better. If I can manage to tick off a third of the list the following day, I’m quite happy in myself. Since going freelance, I have noticed that I need to be more disciplined.

After I left RTÉ, I focussed on a healthy eating plan, cutting out carbohydrates and taking up jogging. I lost two stone in weight. I feel healthier and happier, and more self-confident.

My father has always told us to be happy with our lot. I think it’s good advice particularly considering all that’s happened in Ireland over the last few years. My mother, on the other hand, has always told us to be self-confident. They both came from modest backgrounds, but instilled in us the importance of education and believing that we can attain our goals if we work hard enough. I was always also told to be nice to everyone. It’s nice to be nice, and it doesn’t cost you anything.

I admire people who are passionate about their work and who are selfless, with little or no reward for themselves. I really admire carers, as I believe they are the unsung heroes of our communities. I also admire people who are generous with their time and knowledge, as well as people who value their friendships.

I used to be a night-owl, but since we had the kids, I can’t seem to keep my eyes open after 10pm.

I believe in an after-life. Too many strong, wonderful souls have passed not to be with us in some sense.

My idea of happiness is sitting on the patio in Caladh Thadhg in Connemara with my husband Mark and a really nice bottle of red watching the sun set on a summer’s evening while my kids are healthy, happy… and in bed!

Róisín O’Hara is nominated for Television Broadcaster of the Year award at the Oireachtas Media Awards which will be held in Galway next Friday. These annual awards recognise achievement and excellence in the Irish language media sector.