Ciaran Byrne
In Ireland, I was associate editor of the Irish Independent and news editor of the Sunday Independent. A front-row witness to war, US presidential elections, numerous murder trials and even the Thierry Henry handball. I've always been fascinated by the use of words and understanding how stories seize the attention in so many different ways. When not working, I'm a bit obsessed with Liverpool FC and Bruce Springsteen. I loved living in cities such as London, Edinburgh and Dublin but now converted to the unrivalled work/life balance in the West of Ireland.
Martha Kearns
Journalism was the only career path for me. I expected drama and intrigue; I wasn't disappointed. My first day, in the summer of 1996, saw me join the Irish Independent team covering the homecoming of triple-gold medallist Michelle Smith from the Atlanta Olympic Games. We all know how that ended. After 13 exciting years at INM, I moved to The Sunday Business Post (as News Features Editor and later News Editor) – just two weeks before the 2008 financial crash. Great timing! Outside of work, I almost always have my head stuck in a book – unless I am walking the woods or beaches of Sligo with my family or sipping cocktails with my old journo pals.
Emilee Jennings
PR and Content Executive
Getting a camcorder from Santa when I was 12 inspired my love of interviewing and led to a career in journalism. For 15 years, I worked in print, radio and TV in a variety of roles including news reporter and radio presenter with KBS (South Korea's national broadcaster) and as entertainment editor with the Sligo Weekender. I've also worked as a producer/presenter for online TV and had an occasional career as an actress with small roles in HBO's "Camelot", the infamous short-short film The Angelus (filmed in Sligo) and a variety of commercials in Korea. I lived in Seoul for six years and had many wonderful adventures around Asia before deciding to return home to the beautiful North West where I now work with StoryLab.
Kevin Noone
Born and bred in Sligo, I am a passionate graphic designer who previously operated my own design business for over six years. I made the jump to StoryLab in January 2020 and haven't looked back. The work we do is both varied and exciting and has given me the opportunity to produce quality design for a wide range of clients. For me good quality design is hugely important and a powerful tool that can help us tell our clients' stories in a more rounded way. When not busy working, I can usually be found listening to or buying records, supporting Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds, cooking and enjoying time with friends and family in, for me, one of the most beautiful parts of our planet.
Erin Fox
I've always been fascinated by the different mediums of storytelling and the various platforms on which those stories can be told. Interviewing Patti Smith at the age of 16 spurred me on to study Journalism in DCU and follow my dream to tell other people's stories. I worked with the Irish Catholic as a columnist for six years and as marketing assistant with national arts centre and gallery The Model for three years before joining StoryLab in 2016. I've furthered my education with a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute and a certificate in PR Account Management from the PRII. Outside of work I'm a keen crocheter, baker and comedian as well as being a member of Sligo Film Society's committee.
Donal Conaty
I worked as a journalist in newspapers and online media for 20 years, including periods as a London correspondent for The Irish Times and as a sports editor and senior editor with the IT's online division. I've had two books published, The Eighty-Five Billion Euro Man and Ireland in the Bailout Years, both of which were Amazon bestsellers in political humour. I also write poetry which has been published in The Cormorant and displayed as a visual installation in the Yeats Memorial Building in Sligo. I've travelled widely in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia but made my home between Benbulben and the Atlantic in North Sligo. It's as good as anywhere.