Women in Sport: Broadcaster, businesswoman and philanthropist Lorraine Keane

Lorraine Keane is an IFTA-nominated broadcaster and journalist. Best known for her work over more than a decade as entertainment correspondent for TV3, she stepped down as anchor for Ireland’s most popular fashion, entertainment and celebrity lifestyle show Xposé, in 2010.

Her literary debut Beyond The Red Carpet, a humorous memoir of life in the media spotlight, was a bestseller when released in 2011 and in 2012 Lorraine made her acting/singing debut with Girl’s Night, The Musical, produced by Robert C Kelly. The show finished a hugely successful four-month Irish run with a two-week sell-out in Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre.

A multi award-winning personality, Lorraine is now picking up a golf club and taking on the challenge of The First Tee, Journey to Dromoland. This Golf Ireland campaign will follow Lorraine, Valerie Wheeler, and Pamela Joyce as they journey from relative beginners to confident golfers.

Name: Lorraine Keane

Profession: Broadcaster, Businesswoman & Philanthropist

Earliest sporting memory?

Representing my school in gymnastics competitions from age 12-16, 1st year to 4th year.

How did you first fall in love with sport?

I love watching gymnastics competitions on TV, especially the Olympics, and decided to take it up when I was about 10 years old.

What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in starting a new sport?

It’s a great way of making new friendships outside of your social and school circles. It’s really nice to be part of a team and to bond over common experiences.

Proudest moment so far…

Coming very close to breaking a world record, aged 27, for climbing the 5 highest peaks in Ireland and the UK in 24 hours (Carrauntouhill in Kerry, Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland, Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales).

The female athlete I admire most is…

Stephanie Roche because she played a major part in encouraging young girls to take up soccer in a very male-dominated sport. And most recently Leona Maguire because now that I am learning to play golf I realise how difficult it is and how easy the pros make it look!

Favourite sporting memory…

Italia 90! Packie Bonner saving that penalty. I named my dog Packie after that. I then had the pleasure of working with him in TV3 and seeing him almost every day in the newsroom and studio. An absolute gent!

Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?

I think we are slowly but surely changing it but we still have a long way to go.

What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?

The media need to do more so that women’s sports get the same coverage as men’s. Women and girls need to be supported and encouraged more. As the slogan says ‘we need to see it to be it!’

The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…

That it’s not as exciting but the recent TV ad for the women’s World Cup featuring the French team is proof that this isn’t the case.

My daily routine is…

Different everyday work-wise, however, I include some form of exercise in my every day. Whether that is walking the dogs, swimming in the Irish Sea, doing pilates, a home workout or going to the gym, I make sure I am doing something physical every day. It’s essential for my physical and mental health.

My biggest sporting goal is…

At the moment, to not make a holy show of myself in the KPMG Women’s Irish Open on August 30 in Dromoland Castle. If I can just hit a decent shot on The First Tee…

Sports brands I love…

Probably no surprise but style is hugely important to me. As a complete novice at least I can look the part! I was concerned that there was no such thing as stylish golf gear for women but I just got some of the new Padraig Harrington collection for women at Dunnes Stores and I love it! The golf gear from Abacus is really nice too. Thanks, Golf Ireland!

How do you mind your mental health?

By staying fit and healthy, throwing myself into the Irish Sea all year round, spending time with family and completely switching off at times (okay, that last one I still have to master!)

My three desert island beauty products are…

Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream for lips and any skin blemishes, my face and body daily moisturiser gradual tan Decadence by Lorraine Keane which keeps me tanned with zero skin damage and a good eye cream.

I need 8 hours of sleep a night because….

Once I’m awake, I’m non-stop til bedtime.

Confidence, to me, is…

Being happy in myself, who I am, where I am in life, feeling satisfied and grateful and not worrying what other people think.

Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?

Sport brings people together whether you’re a spectator or participant and forms wonderful friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Watch episode one of ‘The First Tee, Journey to Dromoland’, below…