As a presenter on TV3’s Weekend AM, Laura Woods is used to getting up when most people are enjoying a lie-in.

But after a few years on and off our screens, the presenter and mother-of-two is delighted to be back on air.

“I’m happy that the kids are old enough for me to stick to one job with more regular, irregular hours,” she jokes. “And the starts aren’t as early as midweek Ireland AM – they think we get a lie-in because we’re not on-air until 9am.”

Laura has been a familiar face across Ireland for many years, having worked for RTÉ for 11 years presenting shows such as Fame and Fortune and Trump Card. She freelanced with TV3 for four years, landing a permanent job on Weekend AM in September.

In the time she wasn’t full-time on television, Laura had two sons – Ben (five) and Alex (three) with her husband Mark Arigho, and set up video marketing company Corporate Profiles, with fellow presenter Brian Ormond.

“So it was busy, even if I wasn’t solely focused on front of camera,” she adds.

With uncertainty in the media industry, Laura says it was important to upskill.

“The media industry was hit, just like every other industry in the country. It was absolutely difficult to get work. I can only speak on my own behalf, but there were a lot of jobs up for grabs. Then suddenly there were very few – but the same amount of presenters as there was in the boom,” she says.

“Having worked in TV so long, since I was 21, the production element was part and parcel of the whole thing. Corporate Profiles was a natural step to take when the on-screen work wasn’t as forthcoming. It’s the same as any other industry really: you just have to diversify.”

Her experience with Corporate Profiles, directing and editing other packages, stood to Laura when she returned to presenting more regularly.

“I learned a lot and I think it made me a better presenter, because I can direct and edit now. I’m always thinking of the bigger picture when I’m presenting,” she says.

Working alongside Anna Carey, Simon Delaney, Tommy Martin and – up until recently, Ivan Yates – Laura has been enjoying the past year on Weekend AM.

“Time has flown – it’s been a busy year. I just had to get the head down, as you would with any new show, and we all had to become comfortable with each other as colleagues, grow and nurture the show and see what works and what doesn’t work.

“The bosses are happy, ratings are good. I enjoy my job, it’s been a fun experience. I work Wednesdays through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday off. That allows me to spend time with the kids, collect them from school and hang out on days that most people are at their desks. It’s a case of getting the balance right. I’m home by around lunchtime on the weekend, so we have the rest of the day.”

Plus, the team recently welcomed new presenter Ian Noctor to the fold.

“Ian has a wealth of professional experience behind him, having being ex-news editor on Today FM. It’s always great to get another opinion on set. It’s a lively show and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on. It’s always nice to work with new people. I find it keeps you on your toes as a presenter.”

Outside of television, Laura found time to team up with Buplex to take part in Hell and Back on Killruddery Estate, Co Wicklow, in June.

“I had a great time and it was brilliant fun, but it was hard work. I suppose they don’t call it Hell and Back for it to be easy.

“I had trained a bit, but my arms were very sore afterwards. I possibly should have done a bit more work beforehand. My right arm wasn’t as bad though because, sure, I’ve had a toddler balancing on my hip for the past five years!”

Meanwhile, her husband Mark, who works as an architect, set up his own practice at the beginning of the year.

“It’s an exciting time for him. It’s something he’s wanted to do for a long time but could never find the right time. It’s been amazing to watch the company grow. They say you never work a day in your life if you love what you do – and he certainly enjoys what he does, so it’s been fun to join him on his next adventure,” she says.

Indeed, it’s been a year of change for Laura and her family.

“We’re getting there and everything is calming down. I think I’m just one of those people who enjoys being busy, even if I give out about it at the time. I think I thrive on being a bit manic,” she laughs. CL

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Watch Weekend AM on Saturdays and Sunday on TV3 from 9am to 12pm