When it comes to sports, snooker may not be top of everyone's list, but after chatting to Irish presenter Rachel Casey, you may just find yourself tuning in.

Many of us will remember the glory days when Irishman Ken Doherty was crowned the World Champion in 1997, but aside from that, snooker players from Ireland have not fared as well on the green baize since.

Hailing from Roscommon, Rachel never thought that after taking a chance and sending an email she would be rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the business and bringing her Irish charm to the sport.

In October, Rachel won lots of praise for how she handled a sensitive interview with Mark Allen, who has been going through a difficult time with his mental health.

Chatting with EVOKE in 2024, Rachel opened up about her road to presenting, saying: 'I've kind of hit the jackpot a little bit because I feel really lucky to have a career that allows me to pursue my passions.'

A keen follower of all sports, growing up Rachel dipped her toe in everything from representing Roscommon in football to Ireland in handball and basketball and said she still tries to get in a round of golf when she can.

As for snooker, a phone call asking her to present at The World Championship soon had her adding another sport to the list; however, this time it was more about knowledge than skill.

Looking back, she said: 'You do feel a bit like it is imposter syndrome. I had never held a snooker cue.' But regardless, Rachel knew more than she thought.

Stepping into The Crucible, commentating alongside the likes of Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan, there is one thing that she has that many presenters don't, and that is Irish charm.

'They've always been so respectful,' she said. 'And I do actually think that my style is quite relaxed. I want to ask the questions that the viewer would want to ask, even if sometimes you might ruffle a few feathers, but I also think maybe the Irish humour and the wits always help to lighten the mood at times.'

As for the love of the game, Rachel says: 'There are more women interested in snooker than we think. There's a camaraderie with the women fans.

'Some girls meet up in groups, and they come to the snooker, and they come to the world championship. They have it as a holiday; it's not like there aren't women interested in snooker.

'There are a lot of fans, and a lot of young ladies as well, a lot of young women.'