Dónall Mac Ruairí.
TWO of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Donegal presenters have been nominated to the shortlist for the Celtic Media Awards announced today, March 6.
Michelle Nic Grianna has been named in the category of Radio Presenter of the Year, and Dónall Mac Ruairí has been shortlisted in the documentary category for the programme Máire – Glór Chlannad, about the life of Máire Ní Bhraonáin, or Moya Brennan.
Michelle Nic Grianna was born in Glasgow, but has been living in Rann na Feirste for most of her life. She is part of the newsroom team in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Doirí Beaga studio, but during the summer presents magazine programme Barrscéalta.
Michelle Nic Grianna.
An enthusiastic and engaging presenter, she displays a remarkable ability to move with ease from hard-hitting interviews to light-hearted topics, demonstrating empathy where necessary, showcasing a comedic rapport with her guests in some cases, and always brimming with energy. All these qualities contribute to her steadfast popularity with the listeners to Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Dónall Mac Ruairí is also from Rann na Feirste, and presents the music programme Cóisir Cheoil on Raidió na Gaeltachta throughout the year, as well as other music programmes and documentary-type shows in the summer. Máire –Glór Chlannad tells the inspirational life story of Máire Ní Bhraonáin.
Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll are seldom associated with the Irish folk scene, but this documentary paints a different picture. In it, the voice of Clannad talks openly about the highs and lows of her life – from abortion to drug abuse, break ups and bust ups, international adoration, and winning Ivor Novello, Bafta and Grammy awards.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta has also been shortlisted in the category of Radio Station of the Year. The winners will be announced at the Celtic Media Festival in Inverness, Scotland, in April.