In this careers series, Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, speaks with high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, every interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
This week it’s the turn of Abbeleix native Ann-Marie Kelly. The proud Laois woman is an award-winning broadcaster and documentary maker, who has spent over two decades bringing stories, music, and heart to Irish radio.
A former Today FM presenter, she returned home to the midlands where she continues to shine on Midlands 103.
With multiple IMRO Radio Awards under her belt, including three Golds and over 15 years of continuous nominations, Ann-Marie is known for her passion for local voices, Irish music, and powerful storytelling.
From former early starts on breakfast radio to current late nights curating The Roadhouse Café, she’s proof that radio, when done with care, can connect and uplift a whole community.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
My first job was working in ‘Ann Malone’s Shop’ in Thornberry, Abbeyleix, when I was 12 – (in the days when teenagers were actually allowed to work!).
It taught me mostly how to enjoy older people’s conversations and the benefits of eating multiple cola bottles and black jacks.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
I didn’t end up in the service industry, but at an early age I loved editing cassette tapes and taking pictures.
When I told the nuns in the Brigidine Convent I wanted to be a Sound Engineer, they didn’t know how to deal with me and advised me to think about banking (hilarious if you know my brain and money), so I wrote to the BBC when I was in 1st year and they sent me a booklet which I read from cover to cover about how to get into radio. The dream began…
3 – Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
I started in Midlands 103 after college as a Talk Show researcher for Don Delaney’s Talk Show and one Friday evening our CEO, Joe Yerkes said (in his American accent) ‘Ann Marie have you ever talked on a microphone? Never, I said.
‘Well, you are this Sunday evening! (the presenter of the Sunday evening show had left on short notice).’
That’s when my first specialist music show ‘Moonlighting’ was born. 8pm to 10pm every Sunday night. I played vinyl and was happy as hell.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I think my biggest challenge when I was on air in Today FM was not having enough confidence.
Early Breakfast – the AMKelly show was getting a lot of loyal listeners and reaction and in hindsight I should have shouted that from the rooftops, as it was becoming very successful.
I think it’s still there, that struggle of not ‘owning something’ when something is going really well.
At that time, I was the only female presenter on the daily daytime schedule so it was early days for getting the female voice heard on Music Radio. I’m still a bit like that I think – not having the guts to show it off.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
Getting the Degree in Communications got me in the door to jobs, certainly, but after that it really comes down to proving you know what you’re doing and in the media industry that is a daily task.
Dealing with people is something you can’t learn in college, so it does take time to realise how to attempt things from a different angle to achieve the same goal.
With creative projects I work backwards, in a way. I’ve realised, only recently, I’m not a fan of structure, I don’t like having to ‘make something’ in a structured way, I much prefer setting out to ‘make to think’.
Let me explain, I go out and record a specific thing – say a community garden – without absolutely know what it is that I want from it.
I record, edit and test and then my heart leaps when the magic inspires me to put a program piece together. This can be radio or film.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
I wear a few hats , at the moment it’s creating content (film, articles) for Midlands Ireland, recording documentary material for RTE Radio and Midlands 103, and being a mammy.
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
I learned a lot by myself and have picked up skills and tips from constantly reading and listening. ‘People watching and listening’ has inspired most of what I do.
8 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
Trust your heart and don’t listen to your head or bank manager too much.
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
“Enjoy the moments Ann Maire – enjoy the pints, enjoy the days off in bed with no-one looking for your time, don’t feel guilty.”
That’s what I’d say to me as a 17 year old.
10 – What’s next for you, any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
Continue to make more documentaries and take more pictures and enjoy my girls, my husband, Tess my dog and to read more and get off the phone!
Have a listen here to Ann-Marie’s Gold Award Winning Radio Documentary, ‘Are You Blind or What?’, which, according to Ann-Marie “is all about letting the light in”.
It centres on a group of 10 blind people from Laois who journeyed together to write and perform a play, under the direction of Ciaran Taylor, founder of Sightless Cinema Network, with 20 other participants from Tallaght and Navan.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
