Elaine Whelan is an accomplished Irish journalist known for her work with RTÉ, Ireland's national radio and television broadcaster. Born in 1964 in Wicklow, Ireland, she has built a distinguished career in journalism and news presentation.

Elaine began her career as a newsreader for local radio stations in Wicklow and Dublin's Q102. She joined RTÉ in 1989, where she has presented various news programs, including the One O'Clock News, Six One News, and Nine O'Clock News. Elaine also worked as a newsreader for Sky News, BBC News, and Independent Television News during her time in London before returning to Ireland.

Elaine is married to Larry Donnelly, a legal research lecturer at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG). The couple has two sons, Seán and Larry Jr. Elaine has openly shared her experiences with fertility challenges and becoming a mother later in life.