RTÉ broadcaster and journalist Sean O'Rourke has announced he is to retire from his role as presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's Today programme on 8 May.

He said he will be 65 in May, which is as good a time as any to end "the adventure of Today SOR".

Mr O'Rourke began working as a journalist with the Connacht Tribune in 1973 and later joined the Irish Press.

He began his broadcasting career with RTÉ in the 1980s and has presented Morning Ireland, This Week and News at One, as well as The Week in Politics.

He started presenting Today with Sean O'Rourke on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2013.

As he signed off from his radio programme today, he said: "For nearly seven years now it's been my great privilege to sit in the best current affairs chair in Irish broadcasting.

"But nothing is forever. I'm going to be 65 in May. And that'll be as good a time as any to end the great adventure of Today SOR.

"I've had an absolute ball - daily interviews, debates, elections, referendums, a memorable encounter with the Donald in Doonbeg... some great music and song, and the odd bit of hand-to-hand studio combat.

"All of it with a light dusting of fun, as we promised you at the very start. And all made possible by really talented, hard-working and loyal colleagues, to whom I'll be forever grateful."

Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ said: "Sean O'Rourke's contribution to Irish journalism, and to RTÉ, is hugely significant.

"From his start at the Connacht Tribune in 1973 to his latest years at the helm of our key morning current affairs radio programme, Sean has navigated and dissected the stories of the day with a rigour, tenacity, clarity and drive that is unmatched.

"His love for radio and for news, his passion for sport and reading, meant that he was an enormously well-rounded presenter too; informed, interested, and interesting."

Tom McGuire, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, said: "Sean O'Rourke has been at the core of the Radio 1 schedule throughout his broadcasting career.

"A peerless journalist, particularly in current affairs and news. To coin one of his own phrases, his move from News at One to Today with Sean O'Rourke proved that not only could he play 'senior hurling' but senior football as well. A true dual star."

He will finish on Today with Sean O'Rourke on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday 8 May.