She has been a member of the Morning Ireland presenters’ team for 14 years. She will now be a permanent presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's popular lunchtime radio show, which is listened to by over 300,000 people every weekday.
“One of my first jobs in RTÉ was as a reporter on the News at One,” English remarked in reference to the transfer. I started my career there as a stand-in presenter as well.
“I've always hoped that one day I'd get to return, so I'm delighted to be doing so now. It feels like coming home. It's been a privilege to present Morning Ireland, and I'd like to thank the colleagues who have made getting up at 4am bearable. I'm looking forward to working with the fantastic team on the News at One.”
Deirdre McCarthy, managing director of News & Current Affairs at RTÉ, stated: "Rachael is an exceptional broadcaster and a well-recognised journalist. Her addition to the outstanding group of journalists covering our flagship News at One broadcast makes me very happy.”
“She is exceptional at asking the probing questions, the questions the listeners want answers to and holding those in power to account.”
English began her career with RTÉ in 1991 as a 2fm newsreader. She went on to serve as a reporter for RTÉ Television News, the News at One, Morning Ireland, and Today With Pat Kenny.
Before joining Morning Ireland in 2010, she worked as a full-time presenter on RTÉ Radio 1's Five Seven Live. She also hosted The Late Debate and Saturday View.
In addition, she has contributed to other special programmes, such as The Big Science Debate and The Constituency.
She has been a presenter on RTÉ Radio 1's General Election results shows since 2002. She has also anchored election coverage from Belfast, London, and Washington, in addition to providing coverage of municipal, presidential, and European election counts.
English is the author of seven books, the most recent being the top-ten bestseller Whatever Happened to Birdy Troy? She was also elected to the IMRO Awards Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.
On Monday, July 15, the Shannon, County Clare native will start hosting the News at One on RTÉ Radio 1.