In the thick of it

BACK TO TYKATE HAYES

A CONTAMINATED blood scandal had engulfed the government of the day. At an editorial meeting in The Irish Times, editor Conor Brady and his staff were planning for the week to come. Perched in the corner, Transition Year work experience student Kate Hayes sat quietly but intently watching the drama unfold.

The year was 1997, and Hayes had secured the placement after The Irish Timespublished her letter applauding the paper for its controversial publication of a front-page photograph of the body of a murdered man. Along with two other students, Hayes spent a day in the archive, a day in the newsroom, and a day with a journalist.

"One of my memories is of sitting in on a conversation between Conor Brady and another journalist as to what they'd run on the front page the next day, and how the Irish Independentmight tackle the same story," she says. " The Irish Timeswas still being printed in D'Olier Street, and one night, a section editor called us back in and let us see the papers coming off the press."

Her interest in journalism stoked, Hayes later became involved in UCD's College Tribunenewspaper before moving on to a job as a researcher in TV3. Today, as an associate producer on The Morning Showwith Sybil and Martin (weekdays, 11am), Hayes develops new ideas for the show and books guests.

" The Morning Showis about human interest, so we're always trying to find the most compelling stories. A few weeks ago, we interviewed the twin brother of the only Irish person to die in the Haitian earthquake, and we recently spoke to a prostitute about her experiences. It's a chance for people to talk about what's happened to them, and it can be a great relief for them. I really enjoy working on the show."