TV’S TRACY PIGGOTT
'I thought about adopting a child from Africa...long before Angelina Jolie or Madonna made it cool'
THE LAST time I met Tracy Piggott we were both in the sh*t.
Literally.
The doyenne of the horsie world was interviewing me in the surrounds of Punchestown.
When we finished discussing the fashion of Ladies Day and Tracy handed back to the studio, we naturally - both being new mammies at the time - began discussing the delights of "shi**y nappies".
Unfortunately for us,Tracy's mike was still on so the audience at home were treated to the discussion as well.
Laughing as we remember it this week, Tracy beams when discussing her now beautiful three-year-old daughter Thea.
"She is the funniest little person," she tells me.
"Just the other day, she screamed 'Jaysus!' in a real Dub accent. I have to start watching what I say, as she's beginning to pick up on everything.
"But becoming a mum has really changed how I look at my work in Africa. Before I had her I felt passionately about the plight of others, but afterwards I definitely feel even more emotional."
Trend
Before Thea came along - and long before it became a Hollywood trend - Tracy reveals that she considered adopting an African orphan.
"I must admit I had thought about adopting from Africa, long before Madonna or Angelina had made it cool. I never thought I was going to have a child of my own, and then Thea came along when I was 42.
"Just recently Thea started crying for milk and when I looked in the fridge I had none. I felt like such a bad mother because I had no milk for her.
"It got me to thinking what it must feel like for the mothers who have no milk, their breasts have dried up and they have no food to provide for their children. I actually got really upset."
Tracy has dedicated much of her time away from family and TV work to her own charity work.
"My foundation all came about after I travelled to Ethiopia for another charity. I had always wanted to go, but didn't know if I could handle it," she reveals.
"I had originally said I'd think about it, but kept delaying as I was worried about making the trip. After all, Ethiopia is synonymous with death in our minds, from all the famines and Live Aid."
"However, after many persistent phone calls, the next thing I knew I was at the airport with 75 people I had never met before. It had a profound effect on me.
"I knew I wanted to do more so I set up www.playingforlife.ie in 2005, as I knew I could educate through sport. I know I can't change the world, but I think we should all do our bit to help others who are worse off."
"My charity helps communities in Tanzania, Malawi and Kenya. I'm actually just back from Tanzania and I get over about three or four times a year. I live in the slums while I'm over there, where there are major issues with sanitation and a huge AIDS problem.
Project
"With the help of some other people we've done some great work there. We've built facilities and schools that they can work from and build businesses from.
"Yes, there is a certain feel-good factor in seeing communities grow, but I don't really get time to think about it that often, as I'm so busy planning the next project.
"We're actually doing some walks in September around the country, so if anyone wants to get involved in that, log on to www.runtoafrica.ie for more info."
Tracy's latest money-making venture for the charity might also help anyone who has found themselves out of work in the recession.
If you're looking for the motivation to get back in the race, this inspirational mum is offering her advice on the cheap.
Just €10 to be exact. That's the price of her new book, titled Interviewing Skills for Life, which promises to give you that kick in the backside to get you back on track, while benefiting her charity Playing For Life and the Alan Kerins Projects in Africa.
Not only has she 21 years as a broadcaster with RTE under her belt, but the blonde racing dynamo has helped coach some of the country's top politicians and businessmen during her three years with the famous Carr Communications firm.
In between all that, there's always the day job to juggle.
"I'm really looking forward to The Galway Races, which start on Monday. I love the buzz that surrounds it. There's huge money for the Best Dressed competition this year. I think it's worth about €12,000," she says excitedly.
"You won't catch me wearing any feathered hats though. I do too much running around, so it's not exactly practical for me."
Curious about her being the main female face in Irish sports commentary, Tracy was quick to defend the male/female ratio.
"There are a lot more women in sport now, which is great. But while I like more females in the job, I also like people who can do the job properly," she says.
Burden
"Talking of sport, Paddy Power have given me €500 to bet each day for my charity in Galway, which is a huge burden. It would be great if you could have a winner everyday... I am scared I'll loose it all."
So, has she got a surefire tip?
"My only tip is Bahrain Storm. That's almost a cert to win. After that I've no clue at this stage, sorry," she apologises.
TRACY'S new book, Interviewing Skills for Life: New Horizons, New Opportunities, is available for €10 at The Galway Races all next week and you cna check out her charity work on www.playingforlife.ie and www.alankerins.ie