Kate Egan: Accomplished Journalist and RTÉ Newscaster
In the world of Irish broadcast journalism, few names carry as much credibility and experience as Kate Egan. A well-respected journalist and newscaster, Kate has been a familiar face and voice on RTÉ for nearly two decades. With her distinctive style, sharp reporting skills, and ability to cover both domestic and international stories with confidence, she has established herself as a trusted figure in Irish media. Beyond her professional achievements, Kate Egan’s life story includes her education, career journey, personal life, and the reputation she has built as one of Ireland’s most reliable news presenters.
Kate Egan at RTÉ
Longstanding Career in Journalism
Kate Egan began her career at RTÉ in August 2006, and since then she has remained a vital part of the broadcaster’s news division. Over the course of nineteen years, she has worked as a presenter and multimedia journalist across both television and radio. Her versatility and ability to transition seamlessly between live broadcasting and in-depth reporting has made her a central figure in Irish journalism.
As a regular anchor of the Six One and Nine O’Clock weekend news programmes, Kate has delivered coverage of breaking news and major stories with clarity and authority. She has also contributed to Morning Ireland and The News at One, two of RTÉ’s flagship radio programmes, where her voice has become equally recognisable to audiences.
Coverage of Major International Stories
Kate Egan’s career highlights include international assignments that demonstrate her ability to handle globally significant events. She travelled abroad to report on and coordinate RTÉ’s coverage of the death of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, the funeral of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. In addition, she covered the World Cup in South Africa and even the MTV Awards, showing her adaptability across both hard news and cultural reporting.
Political Reporting and Domestic Coverage
Election Coverage
In Ireland, Kate has played a significant role in covering general elections. She has been a live insert reporter on RTÉ’s special election programme Campaign Daily, helping viewers stay informed during pivotal political moments.
Parliamentary Reporting
During her time with the RTÉ Oireachtas Unit, she contributed to The Week in Politics and reported on parliamentary politics in the Dáil and Seanad. She also presented RTÉ’s European Parliament programme from Strasbourg, bringing European politics to an Irish audience in an accessible and engaging way.
Career Before RTÉ
Prior to joining RTÉ, Kate Egan built up extensive experience in the United Kingdom. She contributed to respected outlets such as the BBC and ITN, two of the UK’s most prominent news organisations. Her broadcasting career also included full-time roles with Virgin Radio and The Capital Radio Group, where she honed her presenting and journalistic skills before returning to Ireland to make her mark on RTÉ.
Educational Background
Education played a vital role in shaping Kate’s career in media. She is a graduate of the London College of Communication, part of the University of the Arts London. Her studies gave her the foundation in broadcasting and communication that later translated into a successful journalism career.
Kate Egan: Age
Kate Egan was born on 10 May 1976 in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. As of 2025, she is 49 years old. Her journey from student journalist to one of Ireland’s most recognised news presenters is a testament to both her dedication and her ability to evolve in an ever-changing media landscape.
Kate Egan: Husband
In 2015, Kate Egan married Paul McNeive, a well-known Irish businessman, motivational speaker, and author. Paul’s career has been as diverse as Kate’s, including roles as a property managing director, public speaker, and novelist. The couple’s marriage took place at the National Gallery in Dublin, reflecting their appreciation for Irish culture and heritage.
Together, Kate and Paul have built a strong partnership rooted in mutual respect for each other’s demanding careers. While Kate is often in the public eye due to her role on RTÉ, she and her husband maintain a relatively private family life, keeping their personal world largely out of the media spotlight.
Kate Egan: Children
Although Kate and Paul McNeive’s marriage is well-documented, there is no public record of them having children. Kate has always maintained a professional focus in the public domain, with her journalism and broadcasting work being the primary subject of media attention rather than her family life.
Kate Egan’s Contribution to Journalism
Trusted Presence in Irish Media
What sets Kate Egan apart from many of her contemporaries is her reliability and professional consistency. Over her years at RTÉ, she has become a trusted figure who can deliver both the hardest breaking news and the most complex political analysis in a way that is clear and approachable for viewers and listeners.
Versatility and Dedication
Her ability to cover a broad spectrum of stories—from world leaders’ funerals and elections to cultural celebrations and sporting events—demonstrates her versatility as a journalist. This adaptability, combined with her calm and authoritative presence, has helped her secure a permanent place in the Irish broadcasting landscape.
Recognition and Public Perception
Kate Egan’s name has become synonymous with professionalism. Audiences in Ireland rely on her for accurate, timely, and well-delivered news. Her contributions to RTÉ’s political coverage have also been invaluable, helping Irish citizens better understand the workings of government and elections.
Though she does not frequently seek the limelight outside of her professional duties, her career achievements and steady presence on RTÉ’s flagship programmes ensure she remains a highly regarded public figure.
Conclusion
Kate Egan has built an enviable career as a journalist and newscaster, making her one of the most respected names in Irish broadcasting. From her beginnings in Bray to her studies in London and her long career at RTÉ, she has continually proven her talent and dedication to journalism. At 49, with nearly two decades of experience at Ireland’s national broadcaster, Kate remains an authoritative presence on screen and radio. Married to Paul McNeive, and with a career that has taken her from South Africa to Strasbourg, she continues to bring both Irish and international news to audiences with clarity and professionalism.
Kate Egan’s story is one of persistence, talent, and credibility—qualities that will ensure her place as one of Ireland’s most respected journalists for years to come.
