Dublin: 8 °C Monday 24 February, 2025
Advertisement

33 homegrown rides that will make you proud to be Irish

Prepare yourselves.

LAST WEEK, WE definitively covered the Irish ride from the male demographic.

Now, it’s the Irish women’s chance to shine.

So, here we go, in no particular order:

1. Miriam O’Callaghan

Saturday Night with Miriam? Every night with Miriam, more like. She could be on the TV all week and the nation wouldn’t be complaining.

Miriam O Callaghan Source: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

2. Lisa Hannigan

A classic singing voice + the fact she’s universally considered a ride = national treasure.

lisa_hannigan Source: Sacksco

3. Anne Doyle

If there was a Queen of Ireland, Anne Doyle would surely be the frontrunner.

ANNE DOYLE RTE WOMEN NEWSREADERS PORTRAIT LANDSCAPE Source: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

4. Kelly Proper

A proper ride. And also one of Ireland’s finest athletes.

KellyProperQatar Source: Munster-express

5. Laura Whitmore

The apple of every Irish lad’s eye. She can do no wrong, and is officially a ride.

We Day - Wembley Arena - London Source: Andrew Matthews

6. Jean Byrne

The weather just wouldn’t be the same without her.

maxresdefault Source: Ytimg

7. Aisling Bea

Actress, comedian, writer and total RIDE.

War Child Comedy Night - London Source: Empics Entertainment

8. Olivia O’Leary

Many an Irish person has gazed on at RTÉ when Olivia was on and agreed that yes, she is a fine journalist but also a certifiable ride.

Olivia-O-Leary-The-Works-A-Poem-For-Ireland Source: Rte

9. Ruth Negga

It was more love than hate with Ruth for the Irish public. Why? Well, she’s clearly a stone-cold fine thing.

Beyond Ballets Russes Party - London Source: EMPICS Entertainment

10. Amy Huberman

If Anne Doyle is the Queen of Ireland then Amy Huberman is its Princess and Queen-in-waiting. A total and complete legend/ride.

O'Driscoll to receive Freedom of the City Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images

11. Sharon Ní Bheoláin

You can read us the Six One at any hour of the day.

00088e64-642 Source: Rasset

12. The Corr sisters

Singularly, of course, they are all worthy of inclusion. But collectively they make up a potent force of pop-themed hot that means they can be included together.

Just imagine them without Jim here, obvs.

Photo by Steve Hatch Source: PhotoBucket

13. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

A scientist, a TV presenter, a former Rose of Tralee and a 100% undisputed ride.

A_MOROCCO Source: Rte

14. Dominique McElligott

You might know her from RTÉ’s Raw and the, eh, Irish-based movie Leap Year. Anyone who has seen her act knows that’s she’s both talented and a complete ride.

Dominique-McElligott-HD-Wallpaper Source: Fullhdwp

15. Una Foden

Despite being a member of The Saturdays, Una Foden is a ride every day of the week.

BT Sport Industry Awards 2014 - London Source: David Jensen

16. Mary McAleese

Being universally loved in Ireland as one of our finest Presidents isn’t enough – she needs this important recognition too.

President McAleeses Last Engagements Source: Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

17. Maria Doyle Kennedy

Forget Imelda bleedin’ Quirke – the only Commitments singer making this list is the fabulous Maria Doyle Kennedy.

Marie Doyle Kennedy The Commitments Source: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

18. Tara Flynn

Smart, hilarious and wonderfully talented, Tara Flynn also happens to be a complete ridebag.

flynner Source: Taraflynn

19. Louise McSharry

All hail Louise.

louise-mcsharry Source: Rsvpmagazine

20. Samantha Mumba

The ultimate 90s Irish pop queen, Samantha’s still got it.

Robinson Crusoe and the Ca Source: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

21. Averil Power

Please don’t leave our party, Averil.

Gay Marriage Equality Referendums Source: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland

22. Mags D’Arcy

There’s a reason Wexford Camogie attendance spikes by 500% when Mags plays.

00066595-960 Source: Rasset

23. Frances Fitzgerald

Administer justice, Frances! We’re willing to take it.

North South Ministerial Council Meetin Source: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

24. Stephanie Roche

Scoring goals that capture the world’s attention wasn’t enough, oh no. She’s also widely regarded as completely and utterly hot.

Stephanie Roche signs as B Source: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

25. Claire Byrne

Interrogate us about current affairs, please.

Claire-Byrne-Prime-Time-20131 Source: Rte

26. Jessie Barr

Memo: you won gold at last year’s ride Olympics.

jessiebarr_4__large Source: Athleticsireland

27. Holly Carpenter

Representing all of the Irish models out there. Go, Holly.

. Top model Holly Carpenter Source: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

28. Sarah Bolger

Any movie with Sarah in it is OK with us.

Netflix On Line Film Services Source: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

29. Aisling Thompson

Cork Camogie FTW.

maxresdefault Source: Ytimg

30. Angela Scanlon

Please style us and present every TV programme from now on, Angela. Thanks x

angelascanlon-4-752x501 Source: Thejournal

31. Emily Logan

Ombudsman for Children and also representing rides everywhere.

Ombudsman for Children Final Reports Source: Sam Boal

32. Keelin Shanley

We don’t care if the news is bad or good, just give it to us.

Morning-Edition-Keelin-Shanley-2-smaller Source: Rte

33. Jennifer Maguire

Jennifer, we’re willing to be pranked next. Or interviewed. Please, anything.

Jennifer-press-2 Source: Rte

Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments.

More 10 things Irish lads love>

More 32 homegrown rides that will make you proud to be Irish (the men)>

About the author:

David Elkin

Read next:

COMMENTS (37)