Evanne Ní Chuilinn is a sports presenter for Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) as well as a journalist for her.ie. Evanne has two children, a boy (Seimi) and a girl (Peigi), with husband Brian Fitzsimons.

Career

Chuilinn began her career working for TG4, a television station that is broadcasted in the Irish language (Gaelic). She claims that her ability to speak the Irish language was a key factor in her early success. She began working at RTE in 2004 when women were underrepresented in the industry. Evanne worked her way up the ranks, holding positions such as sub editor, live Sportscasting, international Reporter, Sideline reporter, and News Anchor.

Evanne was also a freelance writer for Foinse, to which she contributed a weekly article until the publication was discontinued in 2015. She also writes pieces for the website her.ie under the "Mums & Dads" family section. Her writing includes her daily struggles with balancing work and parenthood, as well as speaking out about her experience with the "baby blues". Though her participation with her.ie began during her Maternity leave, Evanne decided to continue writing for the site after her return to RTE.

Personal Life

Evanne has two children, Seimi and Peigi, with husband Brian Fitzsimons.

She claims that the most difficult aspect of her career is finding a balance between home and work.

Up until the birth of her son (Seimi), Chuilinn was involved with senior Camogie. She now focuses her time on being there for her children and husband when she is not working, and hopes to continue growing their family

Chuilinn is known for speaking out about situations that others may shy away from.

In 2012 she wrote about her struggle with Post partum depression, or as she refers to her experience, the "baby blues". In 2013 she broke the silence surrounding her brothers suicide. She discussed the impact that it had on her family, and on her personally. In 2016 she discussed her adoption and her journey to find her birth mother. Though all of these may be considered touchy subjects in today's society, Evanne has not shied away from bringing light to what she has experienced in her life.

Education

Chuilinn attended Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny until her graduation in 2000. In 2003 Evanne received a Bachelor of Art (BA) in Communications studies from Dublin City University (DCU), followed by an Ard Dioploma i gCumarsaid Fheidhmeach (The Higher Diploma in Applied Communication through Irish ) in Journalism from NUI Galway. She most recently completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Sports management from DCU.

Early Life

Evanne was adopted at a young age and grew up in Kilkenny with her brother Cormac who was also adopted by the family. From a young age she enjoyed all sports, and though neither of her parents held a particular interest in sports they always supported her. She claims that when she was younger she would give any sport a try, despite "not being great at any of them". She found herself to be particularly good at basketball due to her height, as well as camogie. She briefly considered pursuing a career in dance, but ultimately did not choose that path.