Moya Doherty is a prominent Irish entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder of the global phenomenon Riverdance.
The play, which originated as a seven-minute performance at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, quickly became an international phenomenon.
Doherty’s contributions to the arts are not limited to Riverdance, but also include roles in television production, radio broadcasting and live performance.
File
- – Full name: Moya Doherty
- – Date of birth: 1957
- – Age: 67 years old
- – Gender: Female
- – Place of birth: Pettigo, County Donegal, Ireland
- – Nationality: Irish
- – Occupation: Businessman, Manufacturer
- – Height: None
- – Parents: Daniel Doherty and Patricia Doherty
- – Siblings: None
- – Spouse: John McColgan
- – Children: None
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: White
- – Net worth: 45 million euros
Early life and education
Moya Doherty, now 67, was born in Pettigo, County Donegal, Ireland, in 1957. At the age of seven, she moved to Dublin with her parents, who were primary school teachers from Dungloe. Growing up in Dublin, Doherty developed a strong educational background that would later play a major role in her career.
She was educated in Dublin, but details of her specific educational institutions and her graduation are more widely documented. Doherty’s childhood in a family devoted to education undoubtedly influenced her disciplined approach to various business endeavors.
Personal life
Moya Doherty is married to John McColgan, her partner in both life and work. The couple met through their professional work in the arts and married in 1986. They have two sons.
Doherty and McColgan have worked together on a number of projects, including Riverdance, which has had a significant impact on their careers. The family, who now live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, have sold their main property but retain a house in the Baily area of Howth.
Career
Moya Doherty’s career has been marked by her creative contributions to the arts and media. She began her journey in radio and television, eventually becoming a pioneering force in Irish entertainment.
As producer and founder of Riverdance, Doherty transformed a short Eurovision entry into a full-length show that premiered at the Point Theatre in Dublin in 1995.
This success brought her to international attention. In addition to Riverdance, Doherty also co-founded Tyrone Productions, a television production company responsible for many acclaimed shows.
She also played a key role in the founding of Radio Ireland, now known as Today FM. Doherty’s influence extends to her tenure as Chair of the RTÉ Board from 2014 to 2022, during which time she oversaw Ireland’s national broadcaster.
Her work has been recognised with multiple honorary doctorates from Ulster University, NUI Maynooth and University College Dublin. Doherty’s dedication to promoting Irish arts and culture has made her a key figure in the industry.
Prize
- – Honorary Doctorate of Ulster University
- – Honorary Doctorate of NUI Maynooth
- – Honorary Doctorate of University College Dublin
- – Numerous awards for her contributions to art and media
Net worth
Moya Doherty’s net worth is estimated to be around €45 million. Her wealth comes mainly from her extensive work in television production, live performance and the global success of Riverdance.
Social media
- – Instagram: None
- – Twitter: None
List of movies played
- – Riverdance: The Show (1995)
- – Riverdance: Live from Radio City Music Hall (2001)
- – Riverdance: Live from New York City (2001)
- – Riverdance: The Animated Adventure (2021)
