Brendan Courtney’s professional journey as an Award-Winning TV Presenter coupled with his personal story as Ireland’s first openly Gay TV host has led to him becoming an inspirational speaker and advocate for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.  

His unique, entertaining and engaging style means not only is Brendan an in-demand TV star but also a globally sought after Live-Event / Awards Host and Speaker who inspires awareness to impact for positive change. 

One of Ireland’s best known and well-loved TV Presenters, Broadcaster, Activist and Designers.  Brendan Courtney has established himself as an intelligent, insightful generous host, on “Keys to my Life”, his original TV format currently broadcasting Sunday nights RTE1.  At the same time, he is one of Ireland’s most trusted, empathetic and safe pair of hands on his recent 'Live Studio' series,  RTE1’s ‘Ireland on Call’  

Starting his career as a TV researcher he has been a TV Presenter for over 20 years. He has hosted countless TV series in Ireland and the UK including his own self-titled terrestrial TV talk show. Selling his first TV format ‘Wanderlust” to 19 countries, he went on to start, run and successfully exit his  London based TV production company 'Giant film & TV'.

Brendan also runs his own successful women’s wear fashion label ‘Lennon Courtney’ with his business partner Sonya Lennon, with whom he has also co-written two No.1 books on confidence and style.

Using his profile to advocate for equality in the areas of health, housing, age and gender he recently achieved first-class honours in Europe's first Masters of Business (MBA) Degree in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. 

His TV series “This Crowded House” examined the housing crisis and both of his recent documentaries ‘We need to talk about Dad” and ‘We need to talk about Mam’ dealt with aging, housing, health care and the family, and fuelled legal reform in Ireland.

Brendan was one of the key public faces of the ‘Yes Equality’ Marriage Referendum and as Ireland's first openly Gay TV presenter, he has always crusaded for equality across gender, LGBTQ, age and housing.   He is a regular corporate speaker on Equality, Inclusion & Diversity to audiences across the Globe.

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His unique approach, engaging voice and personal story inspires awareness and makes an impact for positive change. 

Brendan lives between his homes in London and Dublin, his dog Nancy-Drew minds the Dublin home when he and Adam his partner are away. A Transcendental Meditation practitioner Brendan is also a qualified Animal Flow instructor.

Detail:

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Facilitator and Speaker , 

As Irelands first openly Gay TV presenter  Brendan’s professional journey has been paved with EDI obstacles and insights, he is an internationally sought after EDI speaker and Corporate EDI day facilitator, to cement his knowledge in the area, Brendan has just this year been awarded a first class honours in Europe’s first MBA (Masters of Business Degree) in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

Live MC/ Speaker, Awards Host

Brendan has hosted countless Events and Awards Ceremonies, everything from the BBC Arts Awards to the Health Care Workers Awards to the VIP Style Awards, He is a popular entertaining and engaging host.

TV presenter / broadcaster / producer, 

Brendan Courtney has presented and created countless TV Shows, formats and documentaries, for over 20 years. Beginning his television career as a TV Researcher in 1998, he fronted his first TV format “Wanderlust” (1999-2003) which he then sold to 19 countries.  This kick started his award winning career which has taken him from the BBC in London to Bravo in LA.  Now the host of RTE1’s coveted Sunday night 8:30pm slot with his hit original format “Keys to your Life”, Brendan has become known as a trusted, entertaining and empathetic host. 

Creative director / Designer 

Brendan is co-founder and designer at his fashion brand “Lennon Courtney”. Along with his business partner and podcast co-host Sonya Lennon on ‘The Lennon Courtney Podcast’ Brendan and Sonya started their business in 2013, their entrepreneurial story of high level pivots and adaptations for survival is inspiring. [LINK TO PODCAST & LENNON C SITE]

Author

Brendan is currently writing his third book, ‘Mammy Issues’, a revealing social history of women’s reproductive rights, told through the eyes of his mother.   He has co-written two No 1 best-selling books on confidence and aesthetic with his business partner  and co-founder Sonya Lennon,  “Love your Look” in 2011 and “Your Best You” in 2013.  

Testimonials

"Brendan was a fantastic MC at our Diversity & Inclusion event, effortlessly connecting speakers, themes and topics from start to finish. He had the right balance of empathy & humour to engage the audience and ensure they were included in the whole experience while also speaking openly about his own journey. Brendan spent a lot of time getting to know our values and our company and this all added to the great success of the event on the day."

- VM WEAR Technologies

"We are proud to have Brendan as  a Volvo ambassador, he hosts the Volvo Regatta each year where  he brings an air of confidence and trust that is 100% in line with our brand , the audience love his wit, charm and honesty."

- Volvo