Ladies Gaelic Football

DECLAN ROONEY speaks to Mary Kirwan and Denise Horan about the 2001 All Ireland Final – TG4's first broadcast of an LGFA Final that served up a dramatic final few minutes. New lead anchor for Peil na mBan Beo... Age: 31 Club: Milltown, Co. na Gaillimhe County Debut: 2011, Galway v Dubin, Championship, Rd 2 Qualifier. Notable Achievements: 3 Connacht Senior Titles, 1 All-Ireland Minor Title, 1 U-16 All Ireland Title, 2 All-Ireland Club 7's Titles. Maire Ni Bhraonain Q : Máire, thanks for talking to us. You've been announced as the new lead anchor for TG4's Peil na mBan coverage. Congratulations from all of us at LGFA! Can you tell us about the process that's led you to this point? A: Cinnte! Go raibh míle maith agat. I have been very lucky to work alongside Gráinne McElwain, who has presented Peil na mBan Beo and I started out as an analyst in 2011 with TG4. At the time, I was playing with Galway and delighted to get the opportunity from Nemeton. TG4 and Nemeton have always been incredibly supportive and enabled me to continue to develop my skills. I'm thrilled to accept this new opportunity. Q : You've been a key member of the TG4 Peil na mBan team for some time. What are the key learnings and experiences to date that will stand you in good stead in this new role? A: I'm very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic crew from TG4, Nemeton and TVM. They have always been so organised and professional and I have enjoyed every game. It's essential to be organised and well prepared as regards research and have key information. I have learned it's important to be prepared for the unexpected and react appropriately. Good communication skills and an ability to read a situation are essential. Every game is different - It might be a different tactic that the team have employed, or a new player coming to the fore. Q : You've played elite county football at the highest level with Galway. How important a factor is that, in your view, when it then comes to analysing key games? A: It's a huge help. It helps you to try harder to put yourself in the player's position. You start to predict how the team might line out, identify where the strengths lie in a team or where they might be more exposed. It gives an appreciation of that great block or interception in the backs or a crucial point scored because you know how important it is in the run of play. It makes you feel almost like you're out there too, trying to figure out the best option on the pitch. Q : Can you tell us about the transition from former inter- county player to analyst – and how that came about? A: As I said, I started out as an analyst in 2011 with TG4. I started playing football with Milltown LGFA when I was 9 years old. In 2011, I was playing with Galway and was delighted to get the opportunity from Nemeton. I travelled to Birr for my first live game. Working on the sideline was a different experience to being on the pitch but every game certainly hooks you in. I loved the experience and I've been enjoying it ever since. I am delighted to continue to play club football with Milltown LGFA. Q : This is obviously an incredibly challenging time for sport and sports coverage. How different do you think TG4's coverage of the 2020 Championships will be? A: Everybody has had to adapt and change in recent times. While it's a challenging time for sport and sports coverage, it's clear how much Peil na mBan means to players, supporters and all involved. TG4 and Nemeton have been instrumental in streaming Gaelic Games all summer. I'm confident that the high standards set will continue to provide so many people with the opportunity to witness some great games and performances. Q : How much are you looking forward to getting stuck into your new role? A: I am very excited and am really looking forward to the new role. It's brilliant to know all the team in Nemeton. There is a greater significance attached to the coverage of Peil na mBan in the current circumstances and a huge desire from families and supporters to be a part of the action. I am honoured to have the responsibility of bringing Peil na mBan Beo to an even wider audience than before. 20 | AUTUMN 2020 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie

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