RTÉ star Teresa Mannion has announced she is set to retire after over 40 years working for the broadcaster.
The popular correspondent has been working as the station’s news reporter for RTÉ since 2000. She has been the dedicated regional reporter for the west of Ireland—based in Galway—since April 2007.
Prior to this, Teresa began her career at the national broadcaster in the 1980s as a children’s television presenter.
Pic: VIPIreland
But now after four decades, Teresa confirmed her retirement in the RTE Guide, where she opens up about her future plans for when she leaves the station.
She told the magazine: ‘We (RTÉ) have the same birthday, and I have spent almost all my working life there.’
Teresa has reported on some of Ireland’s biggest stories, including the murder of Swiss teenager, Manuela Riedo and the young paddleboarders who went missing at sea for more than 15 hours before being found alive.
But it was her report from Galway during Storm Desmond that made Teresa go viral, becoming an instant internet sensation as she told viewers ‘don’t make any unnecessary journey’s’ during the storm as she stood being bashed by wind and rain.
Teresa Mannion. Pic: RTÉ
Reflecting over her illustrious career, Teresa said there isn’t a day that goes by that someone doesn’t say to her not to take any ‘unnecessary journeys’.
She said: ‘Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t say it to me. It’s the gift that keeps giving. And now it’s almost a cultural reference point. I’ll be on Reeling in the Years forever more.
‘And I must accept that’s what I will always be associated with despite having done so many other things and work that I’m proud of, from hard news to the tragedies and all in-between, but that story will always remain, in a good way.
Pic: VIPIreland
‘Down the years, I’ve been approached with a lot of stuff linked to that quote but as I worked in the newsroom I couldn’t. But who knows going forward what I might do? I might review those options.’
Teresa said she hopes to visit Japan in her retirement, while also deciding whether or not she would like to become a lecturer like her pal, Cathy Halloran.
A spokesman for RTÉ has been contacted for comment.
