Teresa Mannion has announced her retirement from RTÉ after a 40-year career with the broadcaster
Teresa Mannion(Image: Jenny McCarthy/RSVP Magazine)
Teresa Mannion confirmed her retirement this week, drawing the curtain on her 40-year career with RTÉ, which included her position as a news reporter from the early 2000s onwards.
The well-known correspondent has covered countless stories throughout her career, but undoubtedly her most memorable was her advice to the public not to make unnecessary journeys, which became a viral sensation during Storm Desmond in Galway in 2015.
Here’s everything you need to know about Teresa:
Teresa was born in Dublin in 1961. Previously, she told RSVP Magazine about where she grew up, saying: “I went to primary school at Mother of Divine Grace in Finglas. People think I’m from the west of Ireland, but I’m actually a northside Dub. I can remember wearing a navy uniform with a red dickie bow.”She is married to Dave O’Connell, the editor of the Connacht Tribune, and they have two adult sons, Cian and Tom.Teresa’s son, Tom, has entered the publishing world with the release of his dystopian book, Lichtenberg, late last year.Teresa kicked off her career with RTÉ as a children’s television presenter in the 1980s. She featured on the programmes: Youngline, Top Club, Blockbuster and Zero.Teresa went on to win a Jacob’s Award for her presenting work with the children’s programme Youngline in 1985.With almost a decade under her belt, Teresa then began working as a news reporter for RTÉ News, later earning the title of RTÉ News Regional Reporter in the west of Ireland, where she is now based in Galway, reports RSVP Live.In 2015, Teresa became a viral sensation after her Storm Desmond report became an almost cultural phenomenon. The correspondent could be seen battling stormy conditions on Galway’s Salthill promenade, showing her admirable dedication to the report.Looking back at the viral clip with RSVP Magazine a few years ago, Teresa said: “Within 48 hours the report had gone all around the world, there were dances remixes, memes and so many offspins created after the bulletin. I totally embraced it and took it on-board, there was very little negativity afterwards and I wasn’t trolled online.”Regarding retirement plans, Teresa told the RTE Guide that a trip to Japan may be on the horizon, along with thoughts of becoming a lecturer.
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