The story behind the Mná na hÉireann Podcast
Hi there,
My name is Ciara Riordan. I’m an experienced journalist and presenter with the BBC, originally from Cork, and living in the UK for the past 14 years.
Mná na hÉireann was born from a desire to celebrate the voices and achievements of Irish women.
The idea began to take shape after watching so many incredible Irish women perform here in the UK - performers like Imelda May, Deirdre O’Kane, Joanne McNally, Emma Doran and Kyla Cobbler.
I remember sitting in the audience thinking: we are badass. Irish women selling out venues, performing to thousands, commanding rooms - not just in Ireland, but across the world. We really are fierce Mná na hÉireann.
Then, late last year, I had the honour of meeting Ireland’s first female President, Mary Robinson in Cardiff and once again I was struck by how inspiring she is. What she did for women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland is phenomenal.
Then Jessie Buckley makes history in March 2026 by becoming the first Irish woman to win Best Actress at the Oscars for her astonishing role in Hamnet - the list goes on!
I also have amazing Irish women in my own life (you know who you are!), and that’s when the idea fully clicked:
I can use my skills as a journalist to speak to Irish women, wherever they are in the world - and shine a light on their stories, perspectives and achievements.
In each episode, I speak with one Irish woman for an honest and engaging conversation about her life and experiences.
We’ll talk about her defining moments, what Mná na hÉireann means to her, the Irish women she looks up to, and the best advice she’s ever received.
We’ll also share favourite Irish sayings (in English or as Gaeilge) and we’ll finish up with a bit of fun - with a quick rapid fire round:
Tayto or King? Barry’s or Lyons? (and hopefully plenty more options to come!)
This podcast is a celebration of Irish women and of everything that makes the Mná na hÉireann so great.
Taitneamh a bhaint as!
Ciara x
What to expect
Ciara Riordan
FOUNDER & HOST
BBC journalist and presenter based in the UK.
Passionate about storytelling, and a proud Irish woman.
Visit www.ciarariordan.com for more information.
Mary Robinson and Ciara Riordan
Monday 24th November 2025 - Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, Wales.
The Consulate General of Ireland in Cardiff put on a screening of Mrs Robinson for the Irish diaspora, and Michelle Ryan, Vice Consul arranged for the Irish President to fly over from Dublin to do a Q &A session.
I asked Mrs Robinson what did the term Mná na hÉireann mean to her and she said it was the women who were in the home who looked after their families but also volunteered in their communities that were the Mná na hÉireann - women of Ireland. The former Irish president recognised that their contributions were underestimated and valued these women.