Outline:
It has been a heartfelt year forRTÉ Presenter Helen Curran, who chose to conclude her career at the national broadcasting station after 28 years, now has a promising future ahead as a mother of two.
You might recognize her voice from her position as a continuity announcer at the station, whereas others may know her from delivering weather forecasts. For Helen, working in television was a dream she had since she was a young child.
After composing multiple letters during adolescenceRTÉ, she was given an opportunity to work as a runner, and throughout this period, she aimed to make herself noticeable, anticipating developments and capturing people’s interest.
In the era prior to mobile phones and when the internet was just beginning, she chose to capture producers’ interest in a unique way.
I created small cards at a kiosk shop and brought them in during my work experience week, and I began distributing them there while saying, ‘I really want to work here. I’ll make it happen, I’ll do whatever it takes.’ Then two producers offered me my opportunity.
Having worked as a freelancer for many years, she said with a laugh, sharing how her father never considered it a ‘real job’. It wasn’t until she received a contract after five years that her father began to take it seriously.
Enjoying each moment, before she realized, almost three decades had gone by, and the thought of retiring her microphone emerged.
“They were introducing these voluntary exit packages over the next four years. And I simply said, I have given everything I could to that job now, like I’ve truly nothing more to offer,” she told us.
Meeting with her husband, Steven Curran, who is also involved in television, they chose to ‘take the plunge,’ aware that they would have each other’s backing regardless of the outcome.
When questioned about the latest developments at the station, the host explained, “My section is somewhat unique since we’re quite remote. You’re in the booth, alone for the duration. So, you’re composing your own scripts and presenting them….you don’t really get to witness any of the behind-the-scenes politics or related matters.”
Helen is excited about the future and has already begun focusing on a new profession, which will undoubtedly be supported by her experience in the broadcasting industry.
She is set to embark on her journey, aiming to educate others on communication techniques, with a special emphasis on teenagers who are unsure how to engage in a conversation.
It’s something minor, such as placing a takeout order. They will instinctively use an application. I’ll call the takeaway. These are the small abilities they will require as they grow older.
The mother of two is set to start anew in 2026, yet we suspect she might still be questioned about the weather forecast—sometimes, the past is hard to leave behind.