Eileen Whelan is originally from Co Limerick. One of the late John and Ellen Whelan’s 14 children, the family eventually settled in Co Wicklow. Eileen first pursued a career as a classical singer and studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She also spent two summers as a member of the Bunratty Singers, entertaining tourists every night, but unfortunately damaging her vocal cords in the process.
Eileen then turned to journalism. She completed a journalism course and worked in pirate radio in Wicklow in the days before Ireland had independent radio stations. She then joined RTÉ as a freelance journalist, reading the news overnight on 2FM and writing bulletins for Radio One. She went on to earn a staff position with the national broadcaster. Initially, she spent time working in RTÉ Cork local radio – Cork 89FM – where she soldiered alongside Marty Morrissey, Tony O’Donoghue and Mary Wilson, among others.
Eileen next applied for and was awarded a World Press Institute fellowship, which is granted annually to 10 international journalists who spend four months travelling around the United States. The fellows are immersed in American culture, politics and society and learn more about the craft of journalism from experts. The fellowship was followed by a stint in London during which Eileen reported for and presented news bulletins on the BBC and Sky.
Eileen returned to Ireland and to RTÉ in 2000. She spent several years as a reporter prior to becoming the presenter of the late News on Two. Currently, she is the main anchor of the One O’Clock News on RTÉ television and regularly presents the Six One and Nine O’Clock News programmes.
Eileen lives in Wicklow Town with her husband Larry and sons, Seán and Larry.
