Shane Curran, Graduate of BA Irish and Journalism is interviewed by Fiontar, DCU

Where are you from?

Teileann, Tír Chonaill

Where are you currently working?

Below the Radar TV

Why did you chose to do the BA Irish and Journalism over other courses? Our class was the first to undertake this course. The various modules and the fact that the emphasis was on practical skills appealed to me. I chose the degree mainly because it it was a bilingual course that facilitated you to go out on work experience at the end of the degree.

How did you find the course? I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 years with Fiontar. I have fond memories of the days I spent in DCU. We had lecturers who were at the top of their fields in Irish journalism, they taught a career rather than school subjects. We were able to practice in the community what we learned in class for example on Raidió na Life agus the college newspapers – the beginning for learning the trade!

Why would you recommend this course?

We study various journalism categories and learn about the primary skills that are needed to

operate in those fields. The lectuerers were always available to give tips on the various

opportunities that were there to get work experience. The student life here in DCU is also

second to none!

What did you think about university life. Did you enjoy it? There is a great buzz on campus. I had a hand in some clubs on campus between Gaelic football, handball and of course the Cumann Gaelach. I remember getting to the final of the senior football series, you’d think that it was an All Ireland Final with the celebrations that we had.

What are you doing at the moment? I am a video journalist with a production company Below the Radar in Belfast. The company provides documentaries for RTÉ, BBC and TG4. We have two journalism websites www.thedetail.tv (a site for journalistic investigations and analysis in Northern Ireland) and www.meoneile.ie (a multimedia journalism site). I do research, production and editing on video stories for Meon Eile.

Anything else that you would like to mention Fiontar prepare its students for career development and they tell you about employment opportunities. I spent some time reporting with Nuacht RTÉ/TG4 due to my work experience as part of the degree. There is a positive learning environment in Fiontar. I got a Fulbright scholarship in my final year of the degree thanks to the support I got from lecturers. I have longterm friends from my days in Glasnevin. Three fantastic years in the big city that will stand with me for a long time to come!