Valerie McHugh

I have worked part-time for Midlands 103, and work as a news freelancer for iRadio, Newstalk and 98FM. I have also been the Editor of SIN (Student Independent News) at the University of Galway since September 2021. 

Radio is one of my vocations, and I host my own current affairs podcast called ‘The Vent,’ which looks at real stories from people affected by issues in the world around us. I was awarded a Student Media Award at the Smedias for ‘Radio Production of the Year: News and Current Affairs’ for ‘The Vent’ which is also broadcast on Flirt FM in Galway City. These are some of the most recent shows I have released. 

• The Vent – Gender Based Violence: The Gaps in the Irish Law and Garda Enforcement. With guests Lorraine Lally (Barrister and Family Law Mediator) Róisín Nic Lochlainn (Former NUIGSU President) and Róisín McGrath (Auditor of FemSoc.)
• The Vent - The Life, Death and Legacy of Eve Cleary.  With guests Melanie Sheehan-Cleary and Anne Marie O’Neill (Patient Founder of Thrombosis Ireland.)
• The Vent – Hygiene Poverty in Galway. With guest Una Reynolds (The Hygiene Bank Galway.)
• Flirt FM Newsfeed – Bleedin’ Justice: The New Period Products Free Provision Bill. With guest Senator Rebecca Moynihan (Labour.)
• Flirt FM Newsfeed – Linking Parents with Practical and Sustainable Supports. With guest Lisa Bottaro (Community Connect.)

I received a First Class Honours for my undergraduate studies of Journalism, English and Social/Political Science at the University of Galway in 2022. I am extremely passionate about journalism and was thrilled to see this reflected in my marks for the course. I was further awarded the Post-Graduate Scholarship to complete my Masters in Journalism here in the University. As well as this, I was awarded the National University of Ireland’s London Club Scholarship for placing top of my undergraduate class, which also funded part of my Master’s degree. 

Twitter @ValerieMcHugh6 
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