Paul Connolly

Paul Dermot Connolly was born on September 29, 1983, in Dublin, Ireland. He pursued his education in Journalism and Media Communications at Griffith College Dublin, laying the foundation for his extensive career in media. Connolly embarked on his professional journey as an editor for “The Bike Buyers Guide” before transitioning into radio. He gained experience at Newstalk 106-108 in Ireland, where he was a regular contributor to “Moncrieff,” and further established himself as a sports reporter on shows like “Off The Ball” and “The Weekend Sports Show.” His early career also included a three-year stint as a host for 98FM’s current affairs program, “The Inbox.”

Connolly’s television career began with Setanta Sports, where he provided coverage for the Pro14 as both a presenter and reporter. He first joined TV3 as the host of “The All Ireland County Quiz.” He later became known for his self-titled investigative documentary series, “Paul Connolly Investigates,” which aired on TV3 and explored topics such as benefit fraud, bogus marriages, and subcultures like swinging and dogging in Ireland. His work progressively expanded to wider audiences, including hosting “Undercover Benefits Cheat” on Channel 5 in 2015, where he continued to expose societal issues through investigative journalism.

A significant turning point in Connolly’s career was in 2016 when he hosted Season 1 of the documentary series “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons” for Channel 5. For this series, he spent time living as an inmate in prisons across Honduras, Poland, Mexico, and the Philippines, gaining firsthand experience of various correctional systems. This period of his career showcased his commitment to immersive journalism and contributed to his reputation for daring and impactful reporting. Beyond his on-screen roles, Connolly is also the founder of The Broadcast Institute, where he serves as a lead trainer in communications, mentoring, and coaching, sharing his expertise with professionals and leaders.