RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke announces retirement

"Nothing is forever."

RTE's Sean O'Rourke has announced his retirement. The broadcaster has presented Radio 1’s Today programme since 2013 and has been at the helm of the station's current affairs and news coverage for over 25 years. His final show will air on Friday, May 8. Announcing the news today, O'Rourke said that he had had "an absolute ball" on the show. “For nearly seven years now it’s been my great privilege to sit in the best current affairs chair in Irish broadcasting,” said O’Rourke. “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." O'Rourke began his career as a reporter for the Connacht Tribune in 1973 and later joined the Irish Press. He presented many shows during his time on RTÉ including Morning Ireland, News at One, and The Week in Politics. Dee Forbes, Director-General of RTÉ said: "Sean O'Rourke's contribution to Irish journalism, and to RTÉ, is hugely significant. "From his start at the Connacht Tribune in 1973 to his latest years at the helm of our key morning current affairs radio programme, 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."