Joanna Donnelly Biography
Joanna Donnelly, born on September 23, 1970, in Dublin, Ireland, is a distinguished meteorologist and weather presenter renowned for her work with Met Éireann and RTÉ. With a career spanning over two decades, she has become a trusted figure in Irish broadcasting, delivering weather forecasts with clarity and expertise.
Early Life and Education
Joanna grew up in Dublin, where she developed a passion for science and mathematics. She pursued Applied Mathematics at Dublin City University (DCU), laying a strong foundation for her future career in meteorology.
Career
In 1995, Joanna joined Met Éireann, Ireland’s national meteorological service, as a meteorological assistant. Her dedication and skill led to her promotion to meteorologist in 2000.
Joanna began her broadcasting journey in February 2002, providing weather forecasts on RTÉ Radio 1. Her engaging delivery and expertise resonated with audiences, leading to her television debut in December 2015, where she presented weather bulletins on RTÉ One and RTÉ2.
Beyond her meteorological duties, Joanna is an accomplished author. In 2018, she published “The Great Irish Weather Book,” an illustrated guide aimed at educating children about Ireland’s weather. The book received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the An Post Irish Book Awards.
In 2023, she released her second book, “From Malin Head to Mizen Head,” offering readers a journey around Ireland’s Sea Area Forecast. This work further established her as a prominent figure in making meteorology accessible to the public.
Personal Life
Joanna is married to fellow meteorologist Harm Luijkx, whom she met during a training course at Met Éireann. The couple resides in Portmarnock, Dublin, and has three children: a daughter, Nicci, and two sons, Tobias and Casper.
Joanna has been open about her challenges with infertility, having experienced seven miscarriages. Her journey to motherhood was arduous, with her second child conceived through IVF and her third naturally. She has shared her experiences to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles.
In 2021, Joanna faced the sudden loss of her mother, Marie Kelly, who passed away unexpectedly after a routine eye operation. This profound loss deeply affected her, and she has spoken about the impact of grief on her life and mental health.
Joanna has been vocal about various personal challenges, including her battle with insomnia, which she has endured for over three decades. She has also addressed issues of sexual harassment early in her career and was a victim of a road rage assault in 2020. Her openness has contributed to important conversations about women’s safety and mental health.
Outside of her professional life, Joanna is an avid athlete, participating in triathlons and having completed the Dublin City Marathon in 2015. She enjoys yoga, swimming, and is a skilled seamstress and knitter. Her diverse interests reflect her dynamic personality and commitment to a balanced lifestyle.
In December 2024, Joanna was announced as a contestant on the eighth season of “Dancing With The Stars,” set to premiere in January 2025. She expressed excitement about learning to dance, dedicating her participation to her late mother, a fan of the show.
Joanna Donnelly’s Net Worth
Joanna Donnelly’s net worth is estimated to be between €1 million and €2 million as of 2025, primarily earned through her career as a meteorologist, author, and television personality. Her work with Met Éireann and RTÉ, combined with the success of her books and public appearances, has contributed significantly to her financial standing.
Conclusion
Joanna Donnelly’s journey from a mathematics student to a respected meteorologist and author is marked by professional excellence and personal resilience. Her contributions to meteorology, literature, and public discourse have made her a prominent figure in Ireland. Through her openness about personal struggles and achievements, she continues to inspire many.
FAQs
1. Who is Joanna Donnelly?
Joanna Donnelly is an Irish meteorologist and weather presenter known for her work with Met Éireann and RTÉ.
2. What is Joanna Donnelly’s educational background?
She studied Applied Mathematics at Dublin City University.
3. When did Joanna Donnelly join Met Éireann?
She joined Met Éireann in 1995 as a meteorological assistant and became a meteorologist in 2000.
4. Has Joanna Donnelly written any books?
Yes, she has authored “The Great Irish Weather Book” (2018) and “From Malin Head to Mizen Head” (2023).
5. Is Joanna Donnelly married?
Yes, she is married to fellow meteorologist Harm Luijkx.
6. How many children does Joanna Donnelly have?
She has three children: a daughter, Nicci, and two sons, Tobias and Casper.
7. What personal challenges has Joanna Donnelly faced?
She has experienced seven miscarriages, battled insomnia, and coped with the sudden loss of her mother in 2021.
8. What are Joanna Donnelly’s hobbies?
She enjoys yoga, swimming, participating in triathlons, knitting, and sewing.
