BORN and raised in Wexford, Maggie Doyle now enjoys life in the bright lights of London where she has become a household name working as a broadcaster for Absolute Radio.
Doyle is one of five judges in this years St. Pat's Hats fundraising event which has been set up by Mind Yourself and takes place tonight (March 14) in Ku Bar, London.
She took time out of her busy schedule to explain why she moved to the capital and why she stays.
Did you feel pushed or pulled to London?
I felt pulled to the big city - partly for my studies and partly for the bright lights! I had been in Cardiff as a student so I was used to a smaller city and the lifestyle but I knew that London was the ultimate city to live and try and get my career kick started.
What pleasantly surprised you about London when you arrived here?
The people, not just the numbers but the all the different cultures you meet everyday. London is the most multi-cultural city in the world and I love being part of that. Go to any food market any weekend in any London suburb and you get a taste and smell of so many different countries and nations, it's just so cool!
As a creative person what opportunities are here that you wouldn’t find elsewhere?
For me in the broadcasting industry, all the major stations have their head offices here, and the opportunities that has given me has allowed me to carve out my career so far.
Is your Irish identity important to you in London?
If I had a tenner for every time I met someone in London who told me proudly their grandparents or parents are from Ireland I'd be a very rich girl! It's nice to be liked simply because of the country you come from and I find that people seem to warm to us Irish and that's good for me!
Why did you decide to get involved with Mind Yourself and this event?
I know it can be hard for Irish people who leave their family and home to come to the UK for work - especially if that's not something they planned or really wanted to do. I understand they need support and help and Mind Yourself does just that - which is great, I hope it continues to grow in strength and with support from all of us Irish here in London.
‘St. Pat’s Hats’ will take place in Ku Bar, Lisle Street, Soho, WC2H 7BA, between 6-9.30pm. Full details and event tickets (£20) can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/1oa15kW
See More: London, Maggie Doyle, Radio, St Patrick's Day, Wexford
