'Best of public broadcasting': President pays tribute to Eileen Magnier on retirement

The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, has paid tribute to Eileen Magnier, who has retired as RTÉ News' North West Correspondent.

Ms Magnier, who was in the role since 1990, decided to take early retirement and hung up the microphone this week.

Ms Magnier joined RTÉ in 1985 before becoming a regional correspondent in the north west in 1990 and was the broadcaster's first female correspondent.

The Creeslough explosion in October 2022 which claimed ten lives was among the darkest times and difficult stories from an extensive portfolio.

“I recall, as an example of her good judgment, her sensitive reporting of the tragedy that unfolded in Creeslough, which she has described as one of the darkest days of her career,” President Higgins said.

“She brought the immense and bewildering sense of loss being experienced by the local community into the consciousness of the wider public in a way that demonstrated the best of public broadcasting.

“Eileen's role as North West correspondent meant that she became a trusted and familiar face and voice to people of all ages and circumstances across the region that included Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.”

Ms Magnier, originally from County Kilkenny, won two John Healy Awards, a Community Games Association Award, an AT Cross Woman Journalist of the Year Award and two Justice Media Awards.

President Higgins said Ms Magnier had “wonderful career in public broadcasting in which she made history” and said the many tributes paid were “testament to the commitment and professionalism demonstrated throughout her career”.

At Wednesday's sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, Judge John Aylmer said he always noted Ms Magnier's reporting “to be of the highest professional standard”.

“She was the standard bearer for journalists in this part of the country,” Judge Aylmer said. “A pet hate of most judges is to be misquoted – and that never happens with Eileen. I just want to wish Eileen the best in her retirement.”

Renowned barrister Mr Peter Nolan BL said he knows Ms Magnier personally and wanted to be associated with Judge Aylmer's good wishes on behalf of the Bar.

Mr Nolan, whose own wife, Mary Harte, is a journalist, said: “I know how difficult the job can be and how demanding it can be and how precise one needs to be.

“Ms Magnier reported on all major cases and was never prone to exaggeration or mistake.”

Mr Nolan said Ms Magnier was “very informed” on cases that came before the Court and she had “a native sympathy and genuine humanity” in relation to her reports.

“Eileen was a flag bearer over the years.”

Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian wished Ms Magnier well on her retirement on behalf of the solicitors