Jacqui Hurley on Growing Up in a Home Where the Door Was Always Open

RTÉ sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley has opened up about the formative influence of her childhood, shaped by her parents’ open-door household and a bold family move from Ireland to Australia. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Hurley reflected on how these early experiences instilled values of resilience, community, and inclusivity—principles that continue to guide her both personally and professionally.

The Open-Door Household That Defined Her Upbringing

Hurley, one of Ireland’s most recognizable sports presenters, is best known for her work on RTÉ’s The Sunday Game and her advocacy for women and girls in sport. Yet, beyond her high-profile career, she credits her parents, Dave and Máiréad Hurley, for creating a home environment that prioritized warmth and connection. “My parents ran one of those houses where the door was always open,” she told the Irish Examiner. “It wasn’t just about family—it was about friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a place to be.”

This philosophy of inclusivity left a lasting impression on Hurley, who now strives to replicate it in her own family. Married to Shane McMahon and mother to two children, Lily and Luke, she often speaks about fostering a similar sense of security and openness. “I want my kids to sense that same sense of belonging,” she said. “It’s not about perfection; it’s about being present and making sure they know they’re loved.”

A Childhood Move That Shaped Her Perspective

Born in County Cork in 1984, Hurley’s early years were marked by a significant upheaval when her family relocated to Australia when she was just three years old. The move, driven by her parents’ pursuit of better opportunities, became a defining chapter in her life. “Mam was a nurse and Dad was an electrician, and they’d been offered jobs in Australia,” Hurley explained. “Mam had never even been on a plane, and they had three kids under four. But they wanted a better life.”

Their plan was to stay for a few years, but the family ended up remaining in Australia for seven. Hurley’s earliest memory is of the emotional goodbyes at the airport—a moment she recalls with a mix of sadness and excitement. “Everyone was hugging us and telling us they wouldn’t see us for years, but we kids were delighted at the thought of flying in a plane,” she said. The transition wasn’t seamless; Hurley has spoken about the challenges of adjusting, including tears and tantrums, but the experience broadened her worldview.

Now a parent herself, Hurley finds herself reflecting on that period more frequently, particularly as her son Luke approaches the same age she was during the move. “I think about that more now because my son Luke is the same age I was when we moved from Canberra to Cork,” she shared in an interview with the RTÉ Guide. “It was tough—there were tears, tantrums, and months where I’m sure my parents wondered if they’d made the right decision.”

Sport as a Bridge to Community

In Australia, Hurley’s parents fostered a love of sport that became a cornerstone of her childhood. Both her mother and father were active participants and spectators, and their enthusiasm was infectious. “It was a sociable thing,” Hurley said. “We’d play as a family, and we’d play with other kids. I always found sports a great way of making friends.”

From a young age, she immersed herself in athletics, soccer, and netball, while neighborhood cricket games on the cul-de-sac green became a staple of her upbringing. This early exposure to sport not only helped her forge friendships but also laid the foundation for her future career in sports broadcasting. Hurley has often credited these experiences with shaping her confidence and her ability to connect with others—a skill that has served her well in the media industry.

Balancing Career and Family Values

Hurley’s career has been marked by a commitment to amplifying women’s voices in sport, a mission that aligns with the values of inclusivity and opportunity instilled by her parents. Yet, despite her professional success, she remains grounded in the lessons of her upbringing. In interviews, she frequently emphasizes the importance of presence over perfection, a mantra that resonates with her approach to parenting.

“I want my kids to grow up knowing that home is a place where they’re always welcome, no matter what,” she said. This ethos extends beyond her immediate family; Hurley has spoken about the importance of creating spaces where others feel valued, whether in her personal life or through her advocacy work.

A Legacy of Resilience and Openness

Hurley’s reflections on her childhood offer a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped her both as a broadcaster and as a parent. The open-door policy of her family home, the challenges of relocation, and the unifying power of sport have all contributed to her resilience and her ability to navigate the demands of a high-profile career while maintaining a strong family life.

As she continues to inspire audiences through her work, Hurley’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of childhood values. “It’s about making sure the people around you know they matter,” she said. “That’s something I’ll always carry with me.”

This article is based on reporting from the Irish Examiner.