Síomha Emily Ní Ruairc is an Irish language advocate, television presenter and podcaster.[1] In addition to a full-time job at Conradh na Gaeilge, she hosts programmes for Virgin Media Ireland and TG4. She was for two years one of the main presenters of Ireland AM, Ireland’s most watched breakfast television programme,[2] and co-founded and co-hosts the How to Gael podcast.
Early life
editSíomha Emily Ní Ruairc[1] was born in Galway, the middle child of three girls, and brought up in Lucan, a western satellite town of Dublin, Ireland.[3] She was brought up in a bilingual environment, with Irish spoken at home throughout her childhood.[4]
Ní Ruairc started at Conradh na Gaeilge directly from college, and worked as a Youth Coordinator as well as with the TechSpace digital media programme.[4]
Broadcasting career
editNí Ruairc began her on screen career in 2018, hosting An Ríl Deal and Réalta Agus Gaolta on TG4. She continues to present these series annually.[5]
In 2023, Ní Ruairc produced and presented an investigative documentary titled ‘Síomha: Idir Anam Is Corp’ (Síomha: Body and Soul). This aired on TG4 and the focus of documentary saw Ní Ruairc delve into the root of body issues experienced by women and young girls.[6] Later on that year, Ní Ruairc presented Virgin Media's new Irish language dating show 'Grá Ar An Trá'. The series was a success and a second season was set to shoot in the summer of 2024.[7]
In autumn 2023, Ní Ruairc was announced as a presenter on Ireland AM, the country’s most-watched morning television show.[8] In September 2025, she announced that she was stepping back from the role due to overall workload.[3]
Podcast
editNí Ruairc co-hosts bilingual podcast 'How To Gael' with Louise Cantillon and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin. The hosts tackle various topics, with the conversations transitioning between Gaeilge (Irish) and English.[9] 'How to Gael' is Ireland's number one bilingual podcast.[10]
Personal life
editIn 2020, Ní Ruairc proposed to her partner, former UFC fighter and actor Cathal Pendred, and they married in June 2024.[11][12][13] Their first child was announced mid-2025, the same year one of her sisters died, and a daughter was born in early 2026.[3]
References
edit- 1 2 Hogan, Jen. "Síomha Ní Ruairc: Growing up in a house of girls, I looked at boys as aliens". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 January 2026.
My middle name is Emily ... after ... my dad's mam. ... It's the only English language name in my name.
- ↑ Tobin, Sarah-Jayne (18 August 2023). "Everything to know about Ireland AM's newest presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc". Evoke.ie. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
- 1 2 3 Tobin, Sarah-Jayne (27 February 2026). "Everything to know about presenter and new mum Síomha Ní Ruairc". Evoke.ie. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Síomha Ní Ruairc - candidate for Young Star of the Year". The Oireachtas. Retrieved 25 May 2026.
- ↑ Nolan, Darragh (7 June 2024). "TG4 search for Ireland's most talented family as Réalta agus Gaolta returns". Irish Independent. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
- ↑ Murphy, Lauren (29 April 2023). "TG4 presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc: 'I prioritised how I looked over almost everything else'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ↑ Burns, John (13 April 2024). "State to pay €500,000 to fund second series of Irish-language dating show 'Grá ar an Trá'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ↑ Townsend, Michelle (14 August 2023). "Ireland AM confirm two new guest hosts as Muireann O'Connell and Tommy Bowe take time off". RSVPLive.ie. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ↑ Donnelly, Niamh (24 March 2024). "How to Gael Podcast: 'We're just three friends who happen to be Gaeilgeoirs'". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ↑ Clarke, Sophie (1 February 2025). "'Irish is having such a moment of visibility' trio behind bilingual podcast bringing tour to Belfast". The Irish News. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ↑ Keany, Daragh (25 June 2024). "Ireland AM Presenter marries Kin actor in fairytale wedding". Sunday World. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ↑ Magliocco, Sarah (21 June 2024). "Ireland AM and TG4's Síomha Ní Ruairc marries long-time love Cathal Pendred". RSVPLive.ie. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ↑ O'Neill, Bronwyn (24 June 2024). "Ireland AM's Síomha Ní Ruairc ties the knot". VIP Magazine. Retrieved 6 August 2024.