Nuala McGovern, daughter of former Leitrim team sponsor James, lands prestigious BBC post

The daughter of former Leitrim GAA Senior team sponsor, the late James McGovern, will join the presenting line-up of BBC Radio 4's Woman’s Hour, the broadcaster has announced.

Nuala McGovern, who is a familiar voice to listeners of the show, will present the programme from Monday to Wednesday each week from May 13.

The daughter of the late James and Peggy McGovern, Nuala McGovern grew up in Drumcondra in Dublin and is a graduate of UCD, where she studied English and Italian. She taught English in Italy before moving to the United States and began broadcasting as a presenter and producer for Adrian Flannelly's radio show in New York, before joining WNYC

In her 20-year career, McGovern has worked across the BBC and is one of the leading presenters on the BBC World Service. She has reported for the broadcaster from more than 30 countries and at many important events including at both the funeral of the late Queen and the coronation of the King.

McGovern said "It is a real privilege to present this extraordinary programme. I’m looking forward to working with the superb Woman’s Hour team on the rigorous journalism expected on women’s issues but also making time for escapism and fun. I’m especially looking forward to getting back to the Woman’s Hour listeners, I have missed them."

The editor of Woman’s Hour, Karen Dalziel, said: "I’m delighted that Nuala McGovern is joining Woman’s Hour. She’s an exceptional journalist who brings an astonishing range of broadcasting experience to this role. Nuala has a deep curiosity about the issues that matter to women, and the intellect and warmth to bring them to life for our listeners. Paired with the skill and effervescence of Anita Rani our audience are in for a real treat six days a week."

Nuala McGovern, second from right pictured with family members at the official opening of the James McGovern Astro Turf facility at Aughavas GAA Club last August. Also pictured are, from left, Eileen, Vera, Andy, Peggy, Gerry
McGovern; Nuala and Aidan McGovern Picture: Willie Donnellan