Mary Kennedy facts for kids

Mary Kennedy (whose name in Irish is Máire Ní Chinnéide) is a well-known Irish television presenter and writer. She was born on October 4, 1954. Many people know her for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 1995 in Dublin. She also had her own TV chat show called Kennedy. Mary co-presented popular shows like Open House and Nationwide. She worked for RTÉ, Ireland's national broadcaster, for many years.

Early Life and Education

Mary Kennedy grew up in Clondalkin, a town in Dublin, Ireland. She went to school at Coláiste Bhríde in Clondalkin. After that, she studied at University College Dublin (UCD), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Before starting her career in television, Mary spent some time teaching. She taught English in Brittany, a region in France. Later, she returned to UCD, her old university, to teach both Irish and English.

A Career in Broadcasting

Mary Kennedy's journey in television began in 1978. She applied for a job as a continuity announcer at RTÉ. This role involves introducing shows and telling viewers what's coming up next.

Becoming a Newscaster

After working as an announcer, Mary joined the RTÉ News team. She became a newscaster, which means she read the news on television. This made her a familiar face to many people across Ireland.

Hosting Popular Shows

Mary Kennedy has hosted many different types of TV programmes.

• She presented the Eurovision Song Contest 1995, a huge international music competition.
• She had her own Saturday night chat show called Kennedy.
• She was a co-presenter on the magazine programme Open House with Marty Whelan. This show covered a variety of topics.
• Mary also presented Up for the Match, a sports show, and the People of the Year Awards, which celebrates amazing people in Ireland.

Working on Nationwide

Mary Kennedy became a co-presenter on Nationwide, an RTÉ show that focuses on local news and stories from all over Ireland. She worked alongside Michael Ryan for a while, and later with Anne Cassin. Mary continued to present Nationwide until 2019.

Special Broadcasts

Mary has also been involved in important national broadcasts.

• In 2008, she provided commentary for the state funeral of former President of Ireland, Patrick Hillery.
• In 2011, she helped cover Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Ireland for RTÉ television.
• She also gave commentary during the inauguration of Michael D. Higgins, when he became the ninth President of Ireland.

Mary has also read the news on RTÉ Radio 1. She has even been a judge at the famous Rose of Tralee festival.

Writing Books

Besides her television work, Mary Kennedy is also a writer.

• In 2003, she published her own story, a memoir called Paper Tigers.
• Her book Lines I Love was nominated for an Irish Book Award.
• Another book, Lines for Living, was published in 2011.

Personal Life

Mary Kennedy has family members who are also well-known. Her nephew is the popular singer-songwriter, Dermot Kennedy.

Awards and Recognition

Mary Kennedy has received awards for her style and work.

• In 2003, VIP magazine voted her the "Most Stylish Woman in Ireland."
• Her book Lines I Love was nominated for an Irish Book Award in 2011.

See also

• List of Eurovision Song Contest presenters