Renowned journalist Paddy Clancy dies aged 82

Stephen Maguire

Renowned editor and journalist Paddy Clancy has died aged 82.

Mr Clancy was one of Ireland’s most respected journalists and had a lengthy career, holding executive positions in both Irish and British national newspapers and radio over a 62-year-long career.

He passed away at Sligo University Hospital, surrounded by his family on Friday.

He was the Bureau Chief for The Irish Sun until his retirement, along with being a regular columnist for that paper and rival title The Irish Mirror.

The outspoken journalist was also news editor at the former Century Radio when it began operations and was the voice of RTE Radio’s ‘It says in the papers’ for many years.

Mr Clancy also presented the ‘Ocean Current’ current affairs show on Saturday mornings on Ocean FM. He was also given a lifetime achievement award for work in media.

Some of his reporting included Bloody Sunday in 1972 whee 14 people lost their lives, and from war-ravaged Somalia in 1990.

Originally from Bridge Street, Sligo town Mr Clancy lived in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal for many years. His first journalism job was in the Sligo Champion.

The popular journalist previously wrote: “In between there was a multiplicity of adventures that brought me to the wilds of the African jungle, the mysterious Orient, the dry Sahara desert, the gauchos of Argentina, and even the Oval Office in the White House.” 

Tributes have begun pouring in from many others working in journalism and from political circles.

Gerry Curran, President of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland and the UK described Mr Clancy as a “thoroughly decent guy. So helpful”.

Dave O’Connell, editor of the Connacht Tribune, said: “End of an era. Very sad news.”

PR executive and former RTÉ journalist Paul Allen said: “Very sad news, Paddy was a legend! Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.