"I’ve had an absolute ball"
Sean O'Rourke has announced that he'll be retiring from presenting RTÉ Radio 1's Today programme next month.
Sean has presented the show since 2013. He worked for over 25 years as a presenter of daily news and current affairs on RTÉ Radio 1.
O'Rourke is a multiple winner of the PPI News Journalist of the Year Award. He grew listeners to the flagship morning show to a high of 354,000 listeners each day.
He said: "For nearly seven years now it’s been my great privilege to sit in the best current affairs chair in Irish broadcasting. But nothing is forever. I’m going to be 65 in May. And that’ll be as good a time as any to end the great adventure of Today SOR.
"I’ve had an absolute ball - daily interviews, debates, elections, referendums, a memorable encounter with the Donald in Doonbeg... some great music and song, and the odd bit of hand-to-hand studio combat. All of it with a light dusting of fun, as we promised you at the very start. And all made possible by really talented, hard-working and loyal colleagues, to whom I’ll be forever grateful."
Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ said: “Sean O'Rourke's contribution to Irish journalism, and to RTÉ, is hugely significant... Sean has navigated and dissected the stories of the day with a rigour, tenacity, clarity and drive that is unmatched.
"His love for radio and for news, his passion for sport and reading, meant that he was an enormously well-rounded presenter too; informed, interested, and interesting."
Tom McGuire, Head of RTÉ Radio 1 said: "Sean O’Rourke has been at the core of the Radio 1 schedule throughout his broadcasting career. A peerless journalist, particularly in current affairs and news... A true dual star."
Sean will finish on 'Today with Sean O'Rourke' on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday 8th May 2020.