By Sinead Dalton

Copyright evoke

Marriage is no fairytale, and over the years, life can throw many spanners in the works, but former presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn says that her recent career change has been the ultimate test.

Earlier this year, the sports journalist left her role at the national broadcaster in February to start a career in politics and become a Fine Gael senator.

Happy with her decision, Evanne, while celebrating 12 years married, highlighted the strength of her marriage.

Evanne told RTÉ in the past that she almost didn’t go out the night she met Brian as she’d injured her hip. She recalled: ‘It was the day before St Patrick’s day, I had just played a basketball game, messed up my hip and wasn’t planning to go out.

‘So I didn’t put on any make-up, and when I met Brian, I thought, “Oh no! I look crap and I’ve met someone I like!”‘ Not that mattered one bit as Evanne clearly took Brian, and she was equally impressed by his skills.

She continued: ‘Brian swept me off my feet doing magic tricks, making stuff disappear and pulling coins out of thin air. I was totally won over.’

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Posting a picture of their wedding day on her social media, she thanked her husband for always supporting her.

‘If you want to test your marriage, quit a safe, permanent job you’ve loved for two decades and jump into national politics with three kids, a dog and the onslaught of peri. Taking a leap of faith into uncharted territory means having a rock-solid last line of defence.’

She finished by thanking him and apologising -‘Love you Brian, happy anniversary…and thanks…and sorry (inserting a laughing emoji) 17/09/13 Let the madness continue!’

And with this support, Evanne has been able to hit the ground running with the Kilkenny woman becoming a Fine Gael senator in February.

Speaking as her new role was confirmed, Evanne said: ‘Becoming a Fine Gael Senator is an honour and gives me an opportunity to advance change on a wide range of issues affecting Irish life.

‘I have enjoyed a varied and exciting career in sports broadcasting for more than two decades – one which I will miss, and I am grateful to have had