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The Irish Sun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside mum-to-be Ireland AM star Siomha Ni Ruairc's rise to fame from defying critics to her ‘really bad' TV debut
SIOMHA Ni Ruarc has been in the showbiz world since she was just 14 and had many TV appearances before joining Ireland AM in 2023. From fronting Virgin Media's Ireland AM and hosting a chart-topping podcast to starting her TV career at just 14, Siomha has always been destined for success. 5 Siomha got hitched to her long-time love Cathal Pendred just last summer Credit: Instagram 5 Siomha and her hubby are expecting their first child together Credit: Instagram 5 Siomha said she will leave Ireland AM 'around Christmas time' for her maternity leave Credit: Instagram And just yesterday the star announced that she and her husband UFC fighter husband Cathal Pendred are Here's everything you need to know about the TV star's rise to fame. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Siomha was born in Galway to her mum, Damhnait and dad, Dermott. The happy couple had three kids together; Siomha, Aedín and read more Siomha Ni ruairc She was raised in a Gaeilgeoir family, with the Irish language being central to her home. Siomha has admitted in the past that this made some people think her family was a bit different, but she grew very appreciative of it when she left school. However, the family only spent a short while in Galway before they uprooted and moved to Lucan in Dublin. And after she finished secondary school, Siomha went on to study Irish and music at Maynooth University. Most read in News TV After she graduated, she took up a full-time gig with Conradh na Gaeilge. However, Siomha never lost touch with her Connemara roots and has built her career off of promoting the Irish language - to great success. Ireland AM star enjoys honeymoon FIRST TV ROLE Early in 2008, Siomha first earmarked her TV debut as she along with her sister Una Siomha spoke about the experience on her podcast, How To Gael, saying: "But that's not even the worse part. "The worst part is, we were starting to sing and then Una came in on the piano and she started to sing and then she started to sing and play the piano and realised she was in the wrong key. "And they didn't let us go again and that's what they broadcast. We were also wearing neck ties, it was really bad." However, it seemingly never deterred the star from further exploring possible TV opportunities. EARLY CAREER And equipped with her Irish, musical abilities, Siomha soon made the transition into TV hosting. She began her professional career on TG4, where she presented the now defunct, An Ríl Deal. The show which first premiered in 2017, centred around seven Irish celebrities dancing to win €5,000 for their chosen charities. But when the reality TV show was brought back to the channel in 2020, Siomha was their first choice to present. Sadly the show's reboot only lasted for one season in 2020, before also being briefly resurrected in 2024 with Siomha presenting still. Following the success of An Ríl Deal in 2017, TG4 further branched out with their TV shows. MORE OPPORTUNITIES Réalta agus Gaolta premiered in 2017, just a year after Siomha made her debut on An Ríl Deal. The talent show set out with the aim to find Ireland's most talented families. Much like An Ríl Deal, Réalta agus Gaolta didn't last too long after its 2017 debut. However, a glimmering of hope for the show emerged in 2024 as it returned for one additional season with Siomha - but sadly hasn't been picked up for any further seasons... as of yet. BREAK-OUT PROJECT Outside of her presenting work, Siomha never drew the line at just promoting the Irish language as she infused her love for the teanga with pressing societal issues. In 2023, while juggling all her other projects, Siomha produced her own investigative documentary. The beautiful investigative documentary titled 'Síomha: Idir Anam Is Corp' (Síomha: Body and Soul) aired on TG4. The focus of documentary saw Ní Ruairc delve into the root of body issues experienced by women and young girls - all in Irish. The idea for the documentary came to Siomha, after she experienced an ABNORMAL backlash in 2021 after her decision to grow out her body hair. In the programme, Síomha recounted the pressures she felt growing up to look and feel a certain way, and how as she has gotten older, the once big concerns about her appearance and now a thing of the past. PERMANENT PRESENTER Following her debut documentary on TG4, the channel quickly spotted her ability to modernise the language and trusted her to front one of their major Irish TV shows. As TG4 moved with the times, hoping to attract younger viewers with their irish language Love Island, Gra ar an Tra, it was clear they only had one call to make. Siomha presented the first season of the show and IRELAND AM And her career's momentum only continued to ramp up when she stepped into the biggest shoes on morning TV, when she filled in for Muireann O'Connell on Ireland AM. In August 2023, Siomha briefly replaced Muireann while she was on holiday's up for the first time alongside Ray Foley as the pair both filled in for Muireann and Tommy Bowe. Her guest hosting stint went so well, that soon Siomha was instilled as a frequent co-host on the weekend supplement of the show. POPULAR PODCAST And as if all of her on-screen work wasn't impressive enough Siomha and two of her good pals host a chart-topping bilingual Irish podcast. How To Gael is hosted by Siomha, Louise Cantillion and Doireann Ní Ghlacain. The three hosts tackle various topics, with the conversations ranging from their personal lives to pressing matters with their hats transitioning between Gaeilge and English. 5 Siomha and her late sister had their TV debut as teens Credit: Instagram 5 Siomha Ni Ruairc, Grainne Seoige and James Kavanagh host Gra ar an Tra together Credit: Brian McEvoy
Dublin Live
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Dublin Live
Ireland AM star Síomha Ní Ruairc 'heartbroken' following sudden death of 'beautiful' sister
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Ireland AM star Síomha Ní Ruairc has been left 'heartbroken' following the sudden death of her "beautiful and wildly intelligent" sister Úna. Lucan native Úna O'Rourke passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 20 at her home in London, where she had been living for a number of years. Síomha, who serves as one of the weekend presenters Ireland AM and also co-hosts the hugely popular How To Gael podcast, has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her beloved sister as her family come to terms with 'a new normal without her', the Irish Mirror reports. Sharing a number of sweet family photos of Una on her Instagram page on Thursday evening, Síomha wrote: "My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died and I'm heartbroken. Ní chreidim é fós. "Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other - as sisters do. As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life. "My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. "We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. "We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain. "Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me - like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha." Síomha's emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from her friends and colleagues who rushed to offer their condolences. Fellow Ireland AM presenter Muireann O'Connell said: "Oh Síomha, I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved sister. All my love to you and your family." (Image: Instagram) Singer Una Healy said: "I am so sorry for your loss sending you and your family so much love." Ireland AM broadcaster and stylist Rosalind Lipsett said: "I'm so sorry for your loss. That's absolutely devastating. Sending you and your family so much love." A death notice posted on remembered Una as "a beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal". "Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family," the notice stated, adding that Una's untimely passing is "deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland." Una's funeral mass was held St. Patrick's Church in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘She'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart' – Virgin Media presenter pays tribute to sister following her death
The gaeilgeoir, who presents popular podcast 'How To Gael' is also one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM. Taking to Instagram, she shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death. 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died, and I'm heartbroken,' she captioned a carousel of pictures shared to Instagram. 'Ní chreidim é fós. Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other – as sisters do. 'As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life. 'My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. 'We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh. We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. 'It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain. 'Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me – like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.' ADVERTISEMENT Úna passed away unexpectedly at her home in London on April 20. 'A beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' her death notice reads. 'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.' Her funeral was held at St Patrick's Church, in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery, Lucan. Tributes poured in, remembering her as bright, clever and funny. RTÉ 2FM presenter Roz Purcell said: 'Thinking of you and your family.' Doireann Garrihy added: 'So incredibly sorry for your loss Síomha. Sending you all the love.' 'What a beautiful tribute to Úna, one of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever been fortunate enough to know,' one school friend shared. 'When I remember her, I remember us singing songs from Wicked and Hairspray in the hallways of Coláiste Cois Life. She was never without a song. My utmost sympathies to her family and love from Germany.' Another mourner added: 'Deepest condolences to you Damhnait, Dermot, Síomha, Aedín & Cathal on the sudden and heart-breaking loss of Úna. The funeral mass was beautiful and you did her proud. 'Thinking of you all at this saddest of times and sending strength your way. Always remember to never forget all the countless happy times & memories and let them carry you through.' Another shared: 'Deepest sympathies on the passing of beautiful Una. I was so saddened to hear the news, and I am thinking of you all during this incredibly sad time. 'I have very happy memories of Una during our time studying physics and maths at Maynooth University. One of the smartest and brightest people I have ever met. She will be really missed.'
Irish Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland AM star ‘heartbroken' following sudden death of beloved sister
Ireland AM presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has been left 'heartbroken' following the sudden death of her "beautiful and wildly intelligent" sister, Úna. Úna O'Rourke, from Lucan in Dublin, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 20 at her home in London, where she had been living for a number of years. Síomha, who serves as one of the weekend presenters on the Virgin Media morning show and also co-hosts the hugely popular How To Gael podcast, has penned a moving tribute to her beloved sister as her family come to terms with 'a new normal without her'. Sharing a number of sweet family photos of Una on her Instagram page on Thursday evening, Síomha wrote: "My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died and I'm heartbroken. Ní chreidim é fós. "Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other - as sisters do. As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life. "My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. "We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. "We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain. "Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me - like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha." Síomha's emotional post was met with an outpouring of support from her friends and colleagues who rushed to offer their condolences. Fellow Ireland AM presenter Muireann O'Connell said: 'Oh Síomha, I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of your beloved sister. All my love to you and your family.' Singer Una Healy said: "I am so sorry for your loss sending you and your family so much love." Ireland AM broadcaster and stylist Rosalind Lipsett said: "I'm so sorry for your loss. That's absolutely devastating. Sending you and your family so much love." A death notice posted on remembered Una as "a beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal". "Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family," the notice stated, adding that Una's untimely passing is "deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland." Una's funeral mass was held St. Patrick's Church in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery.
Sunday World
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Virgin Media TV star pays tribute to beloved sister following her sudden death
Síomha Ní Ruairc shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death on Instagram. Virgin Media star Síomha Ní Ruairc has paid tribute to her beloved sister following her sudden death. The gaeilgeoir, who presents popular podcast 'How To Gael' is also one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM. Taking to Instagram, she shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death. 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died, and I'm heartbroken,' she captioned a carousel of pictures shared to Instagram. 'Ní chreidim é fós. Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed eachother – as sisters do. 'As adults, we accepted eachother for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life." 'My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands,' she continued. 'We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh. We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. 'It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain,' she added. 'Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me – like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.' Úna passed away unexpectedly at her home in London on April 20th. News in 90 Seconds - May 9th 'A beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' her death notice reads. 'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.' Her funeral was held at St. Patrick's Church, in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery, Lucan. Tributes poured in, remembering her as bright, clever and funny. 'What a beautiful tribute to Úna, one of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever been fortunate enough to know,' one school friend shared. 'When I remember her, I remember us singing songs from Wicked and Hairspray in the hallways of Coláiste Cois Life. She was never without a song. My utmost sympathies to her family and love from Germany.' Another mourner added: 'Deepest condolences to you Damhnait, Dermot, Síomha, Aedín & Cathal on the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Úna. The funeral mass was beautiful and you did her proud. 'Thinking of you all at this saddest of times and sending strength your way. Always remember to never forget all the countless happy times & memories and let them carry you through.' Another shared: 'Deepest sympathies on the passing of beautiful Una. I was so saddened to hear the news, and I am thinking of you all during this incredibly sad time. 'I have very happy memories of Una during our time studying physics and maths at Maynooth University. One of the smartest and brightest people I have ever met. She will be really missed.'
