RTÉ News’ North West Correspondent Eileen Magnier has announced she is to retire early and leave the broadcaster after 39 years.
Ms Magnier joined RTÉ in 1985 and was appointed as regional correspondent for the northwest in July 1990, becoming the organisation’s first female correspondent.
She has reported from Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and beyond, across all of RTÉ’s flagship news programmes on television, radio and on digital platforms during this time.
In a statement, she said that the role provided a “front row seat to every big story that has happened” and she has “been delighted to work on some of the really positive things that have been going on in the northwest region and beyond”.
She added that during this time she “reported on a huge amount of tragedy which I hope I did in an empathetic and respectful way”.
She said: “The job of a regional correspondent is a unique and very important one and I am very proud to have been part of the RTÉ News team around the country.
“It can be a tough job, emotionally draining, physically exhausting but also hugely satisfying and as a team, I know we all do our best to represent the people of the areas we cover in the true spirit of public service broadcasting.”
Time to pack up the @rtenews mic and camera. I’ve decided to retire early and start on the bucket list! It’s been an honour to work as NW Corr for 34 years. Sincere thanks to all who shared their stories with me & my fantastic colleagues especially all those in the regions. pic.twitter.com/n95eCroA4B
— EileenMagnier (@EileenMagnier) April 10, 2024
Her journalistic work has been recognised by two John Healy Awards, a Community Games Association Award, an AT Cross Woman Journalist of the Year Award and two Justice Media Awards.
Eileen Magnier is originally from Kilkenny and graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in History and Politics.
She took a post-graduate degree in Journalism at Dublin City University. In January 2012, she was conferred with an MA in History of Family at the University of Limerick.
She is married to former Mayo footballer TJ Kilgallon and has three adult children, Hayley, Dylan and Evanne Kilgallon.
Eileen will finish reporting on-air in May.
