‘Follow your dream’ awardees told at Gaisce Gold Awards
Commenting on the public’s response to her first major TV job, TV3’s Toy Show last month, she said she took any criticism she received on the chin.
“Social media was a mixed bag. There were different airs [of opinions] but you don’t mind that because that’s what you focus on to make yourself better.
“I’m my worst critic, like worst, regardless of what anyone says to me or about me on social media or in print, I would have said it a long time ago,” she said.
Maria was talking at the 30th annual ceremony of the Gaisce Gold Awards, where 47 people were presented with their medals by President Michael D Higgins.
“I’m a bronze Gaisce winner from many, many years ago so it’s really nice to a part of something like this. It’s my first time meeting him [President Higgins], so I’m very excited.
“When I think there’s young people involved, I get great energy from them. I’ll probably be a bit nervous meeting himself,” said Maria.
The former Rose of Tralee, MC for the event in Dublin Castle yesterday, has been focusing on TV work since handing over her crown this summer.
“It’s still all new to me. I’ve done seven hours of that show now [TV3’s Seven O’Clock Show], but it’s really nothing when you think about it, so I’m still getting used to the autocue and the cameras.
“I’m enjoying it though. We’ll see what happens in the new year.
“I’ve a bunch of ideas in with production companies and broadcasters at the minute, so we’ll see what happens with those. I’m figuring [things] out and generating ideas.
“I’m grateful to TV3 because they gave me a huge break with the Toy Show and the Seven O’Clock Show, and that’s been great for me because it’s helped see if people at home want to see me on TV or not.
“But I’ve not signed allegiance with any particular broadcaster yet and I’m going to see what happens.”
Maria also said she has pitched ideas to TV stations in the UK.
“It’s a waiting game, waiting for one penny to drop, and then it’s a case of figuring out what to do on rainy days,” said Maria.
At Dublin Castle yesterday 47 Gaisce Gold awardees, who had contributed more than 10,000 hours to helping their communities, were in attendance.
To achieve the Gaisce Gold Award, which is a direct challenge from the President to young people aged between 15 and 25, you must have successfully completed five challenges for 52 weeks or more.
Some of this year’s awardees included Margaret Tobin, from Carrick-on-Suir, who is the third sibling in her family to receive the award.
A highlight of her experience was taking to her bike for 302km over four days across counties Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny.
“I learned that personal development occurs every day through everything we commit ourselves to,” she said.
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