News, Muse and Views

One of the enduring joys of journalism is that no two days are ever the same. That truth is amplified tenfold when you work freelance, moving constantly between worlds, subjects and tones – from reporting hard facts, to celebrating creativity, to offering considered opinion. It’s this variety that keeps journalism alive, relevant and endlessly absorbing.

A recent feature I worked on captures that perfectly. It tells the story of Catherine Robinson, 34, who was blinded during an ordinary day at work after a three-year-old gelding kicked her below the visor of her riding helmet, causing catastrophic facial injuries. It is, on the face of it, a devastating story – and yet Catherine’s response has been anything but. Her determination to continue working with horses, to adapt rather than retreat, is remarkable and deeply inspirational. Stories like hers remind us why human resilience still sits at the heart of good journalism.

At the other end of the spectrum, it has been a genuine honour to assist Michelle Furey with the launch of her new beauty column in the Irish Daily Mail. Supporting the creation of a fresh, confident editorial voice – one that speaks to readers with authority and warmth – is a reminder that journalism is also about collaboration, mentorship and craft.

And then there is commentary. It remains a privilege to offer views to a wider audience, most recently through a comment piece in the EU Observer examining the challenges facing my former home, Cyprus, as it edges away from Russian money and influence and reasserts its place within the sphere and values of the West. With the country taking up the presidency of the Council of the European Union for six months, the moment – and the debate – matters.

Different subjects, different registers, one profession. That is the enduring, daily appeal of journalism.