RTE’s retiring North West Correspondent Eileen Magnier tried to brush off the praise with her usual modesty.
Serving her last day in a role she has filled with the utmost capability, tributes were paid to the well-known reporter at Letterkenny Circuit Court this week.
A native of Kilkenny, Ms Magnier has lived in Sligo since 1989 when she took up the role with the State broadcaster becoming its first female correspondent.
Tributes were led by Judge John Aylmer.
Judge Aylmer said that although he did not know Ms Magnier personally, he did know her from the television.
He said that her work was always “of the highest professional standard”
“She was the standard bearer for journalists in this part of the country,” Judge Aylmer said.
Barrister Peter Nolan, BL, said he knew Ms Magnier both on a professional and personal basis.
Eileen filing her last story from Donegal with her trusted sidekick and well-known cameraman John McMorrow. Pic by Northwest Newspix.
He said he wished to wish her a happy retirement on behalf of his colleagues in the Bar.
Mr Nolan said he fully appreciate the demands on reports as his own wife, Mary Harte, was a reporter.
He added “I know how difficult the job can be and how demanding it can be and how precise one needs to be.
“Ms Magnier reported on all major cases and was never prone to exaggeration or mistake.”
Mr Nolan said Ms Magnier was “very informed” on cases that came before the Court and she had “a native sympathy and genuine humanity” in relation to her reports.
“Eileen was a flag bearer over the years.”
Mr Frank Dorrian, on behalf of the local solicitors, also wished Ms Magnier well on her retirement.
