Seán O’Rourke is a journalist and broadcaster who presents Today with Sean O’Rourke weekday mornings on RTÉ Radio 1. An arts graduate from UCG, he has worked for the Connacht Tribune, Sunday Press and The Irish Press. In 1989, he joined RTÉ to present Morning Ireland and This Week. In 1995, he moved to The News at One. On TV, he has presented Today Tonight, Prime Time and The Week in Politics.
01 When are you happiest?
When they roll Ronan Hardiman’s sig tune at 10.03 weekday mornings
02 Apart from loved ones, what’s your most treasured possession?
A signed copy of Nelson Mandela’s autobiography with a lovely dedication
03 Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn?
All of the above and WhatsApp for family connections
04 What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?
As a 14-year-old, mincing pork for sausages in a Galway butchers
05 Your favourite writers?
Robert Caro, Sebastian Barry, Colm Toibin and Colum McCann
06 Last music you bought?
O Riada sa Gaiety
07 A film you’d watch again tonight?
Godfather II
08 What do some people think about you that isn’t true?
That I’m a native Galwegian – born in Portlaoise, reared in Galway
09 What keeps you awake at night?
Replaying rounds of golf at Delgany and sinking the missed putts
10 Which words do you overuse?
“So to speak” (allegedly)
11 Your favourite ad?
Specsavers, where the sheepdog gets sheared
12 Your favourite gadget?
Air extractor pump and stopper for keeping wine fresh for three weeks
13 A brand experience that disappointed you?
Guinness Light
14 What living person do you most admire?
Anyone who keeps on going against adversity, especially with sick kids
15 Most embarrassing experience?
Explaining my Inter Cert results
16 Someone or something that strikes you as beautiful?
Tramore Beach at Rosapenna in Donegal – 6km of mindfulness and no one about
17 In what other era would you like to have been born?
First half of 19th century, covering Daniel O’Connell and the Famine
18 Best advice you’ve heard?
When you know in your gut that you have to do something tough, the sooner you get it over and done with the better for all concerned… President Harry Truman after firing General McArthur
19 What would be your fantasy act of heroism?
Last minute tackle on Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea on the edge of the square with Galway leading by a point in the Connacht Final
20 You’re on Death Row, what’s your last meal?
Large grilled sole on the bone from Caviston’s in Sandycove, new potatoes, a little salad and two glasses of chablis
