GAA on the BBC: Meet Sarah Mulkerrins
This weekend, British audiences will get a taste of the GAA as the BBC broadcasts the All-Ireland Football Final live. At the heart of this exciting event will be Galway native Sarah Mulkerrins, a rising star in sports journalism who's bringing the world of Gaelic games to a wider audience.
But who is the woman behind the microphone?
Sarah's passion for sport began at a young age. Growing up in Athenry, a town known for its hurling heritage, she participated in camogie, athletics, and even golf, a love she inherited from her father, Séamus. She wasn't just a spectator; Sarah actively embraced sport, battling through the typical teenage struggles with body image. This love of sport, combined with a natural talent for storytelling, led her to pursue a degree in journalism at Dublin City University.
Upon graduating, Sarah's journey began at home in Galway, working for Setanta Sports and steadily climbing the ranks to become an assistant producer. But her ambitions extended beyond the Irish shores, and a move to Manchester beckoned.
In 2013, Sarah crossed the Irish Sea and joined the BBC. Her career flourished, starting with the football league magazine show, Late Kick Off. Her voice soon became familiar to BBC World Service Radio listeners as she presented Sportsworld, covering the Premier League and major events like the Women's World Cups and the Rio Olympics.
Her talent didn't go unnoticed, and Sarah began to appear on screen, gracing shows like BBC Breakfast, the News at Ten, and the BBC News Channel. Despite the competitive nature of UK broadcasting, Sarah has embraced her Irish accent, even viewing it as an asset.
"When youâre a broadcaster youâre looking for the things that make you different," she said in an interview with the Irish Examiner. "And itâs the easiest thing in the world to stand out here with the accent. I think people generally like the Irish accent and that it comes with positive reinforcement."
While bringing the world of sports to UK audiences, Sarah has also been busy renovating her Manchester home, a project she's tackled with impressive DIY skills.
Beyond the All-Ireland final, Sarah is a familiar face and voice across BBC Sport and Radio 5 Live. From commentating on the Six Nations to covering Tiger Woods' Masters win and Shane Lowry's Open Championship victory, Sarah has demonstrated her versatility and ability to engage with a wide range of sports.
This weekend, however, is all about the GAA. With Sarah's passion and expertise, British audiences are in for a treat. And as she brings the excitement and drama of the All-Ireland final to their screens, Sarah Mulkerrins stands as a testament to the power of pursuing your passion and the joy of sharing a love for sport with the world.
