Melissa Anderson

Photo by Ekrulila on Pexels

About Me

A hardworking and dedicated journalist with a passion for current affairs, international news, human rights, publishing, entertainment and the arts.

I am currently finishing my Masters in Journalism at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where I have gained experience working in a newsroom.

I am committed to building a career in journalism and publishing and applying my versatility in print, radio and podcasting.

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My Latest Work

Galway Pulse •

From Argentina to Galway: Agostina Reati's Irish dancing journey

Agostina Reati was just eight-years-old when she fell in love with Irish dancing. Originally from Buenos Aires, Agostina first took an interest in Irish dance while watching her older sister, Romina, perform in a showcase. She remembers clearly how she was “shocked” when she first heard the mesmerising Celtic beats of Irish dancing.

“I loved how the rhythm sounded,” she said.

Romina had been studying textile design in college and was learning about Celtic knots when she first became interested
Galway Pulse •

Eight ways to celebrate Saint Patricks Day in Galway

Eight ways to celebrate Saint Patricks Day in Galway

This year’s Saint Patricks Day festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet.

For the first time, due to the new bank holiday, the festival will take place over the course of a four-day weekend with activities and spectacles for all the family.

Here are eight ways to celebrate Saint Patricks Day in Galway City:

This year marks the return of the Saint Patricks Day Parade in Galway City.

The parade, on 17 March, will begin at 11
Galway Pulse •

Galway ranked 24th best student city in the world

Galway has been ranked the 24th best student city in the world.

The rankings were published this week by TheCampusAdvisor.com, a global review website that allows users to rate and review their university, academic staff, campus facilities, accommodation, and much more relating to the student experience at university.

Galway was praised by students for its friendly vibes, “plenty of bars, nightclubs and just things in general for students to do”.

However, the cost of living was flagged as a g

Friends of Merlin Woods seek further funding to restore wall

A volunteer group – working to conserve Merlin Woods one piece at a time – is seeking further funding from the Heritage Council to allow them finish restoring the area’s ancient dry-stone wall.

The Friends of Merlin Woods have received funding from the Council over several years and have used the money to rebuild a substantial section of the historic stone walls, which can be seen on the original 1840 maps.

Lead volunteer with Friends of Merlin Woods, Caroline Stanley, said the group would lov

Galway duo aim for high note!

A Galway PhD student whose mother died from cancer discovered she was carrying the same mutant BRCA gene herself – and she has now turned her own experience and expertise into her life’s work.

Niki Warner, originally from Roscommon but a long-time Galway resident who is undertaking her doctorate at NUIG, was announced as the latest peer-to-peer supporter – helping others who carry the same gene – at the sixth Marie Keating Foundation BRCA conference last week.

Those discovered to carry the BRC
Student Independent News •

Clare mum creates swimming community to promote mental health awareness

June Curtin, 49, a mum of two from Spanish Point, Co. Clare swims 365 days a year and she says that it never ceases to amaze her how good it makes her feel. Being in the sea allows June to forget her worries for a while and focus on the present as “you can’t think of anything, only the waves that are coming at you in that very moment.” Swimming changed June’s life as she found it at a time when she most needed it.

June tragically lost her husband to suicide in 2013 and says she was “struggling
Student Independent News •

Book review: Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You

Fans of Sally Rooney had a long wait after Normal People for a new novel, until 2021 provided the goods. Beautiful World, Where Are You was published last month and did not disappoint.

The book follows Alice, an acclaimed novelist struggling with her mental health and her best friend Eileen, who works for a literary magazine and is trying to overcome her latest heartbreak.

In true Rooney style, the story is divided between the protagonists. The narrative is spliced with email correspondence as
Student Independent News •

What does it mean to be ‘famous’ and ‘influential’ in 2021 and is there a difference?

When I was growing up, the people most famous and influential were major pop stars and film stars.

The fastest way to catch-up with celebrity gossip was to tune into E! News or to pick up a copy of your favourite magazine.

Today, to be famous means something entirely different.

The noughties saw the birth and rapid development of social media. What began as a tool for families and friends to keep in touch, became a platform to promote your own personal brand.

The rise of social media sites s

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