Former broadcaster Eileen Dunne has revealed what she has gotten up to since signing off from the RTÉ News after an illustrious 42 year career as one of the most recognisable voices on Irish television.
The Nine O'Clock newsreader, now retired, has been enjoying plenty of alone time, since leaving the national broadcaster in November. She told Miriam O'Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1, that she has been delving into books and films in her spare time.
She also told of her Ros Na Rún actor husband Macdara Ó Fátharta who spends close to six months working aborad, Extra.ie reports.
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The Dublin native, who's father was also a RTÉ journalist and presenter said that Covid prepared her for the time on her own, as she was working one week on, one week off, allowing her to ease into retirement at 64.
Her son, Cormac, lives in Barcelona in Spain. He too is used to his father being away for the last 20 years, filming the Irish TV soap from August to February each year.
She admitted to still keeping up with the RTÉ News and bulletins on the radio, which she read out for decades, however she enjoys not having the pressure to catch up when missing out on the headlines for a few days, as was custom when working at RTÉ.
The UCD graduate is looking forward to her summer holidays this year, having already visited her son in Spain. Her favourite place to visit is France, she said.
Signing off in November, the veteran journalist said: “This is my final bulletin after 42 years working for this wonderful organisation, and I’ve only ever been as good as the people behind me.
"A few thank yous, to my family and early mentors who got me here and sustained me.
"To my wonderful newsroom colleagues both in front of and behind the cameras, not to mention wardrobe and makeup.
"And finally to you the viewers, thank you for your support, especially during those turbulent Covid years.
"It’s been an honour and a privilege. See you on the other side.”