Eugene (55) was a former member of Independent Newspapers chapel  and in a statement the union recalled Eugene’s long association with the Irish Independent NUJ chapel and his lively participation in chapel meetings.

 

Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Eugene Moloney as they come to terms with his senseless killing. Eugene was a vibrant, enthusiastic journalist with an engaging personality and a genuine passion for newsgathering. His death comes as a shock to his family, to his journalistic colleagues and to a wide circle of friends. Eugene could be relied upon to enliven whatever company he was in and was a regular contributor to debates within the NUJ chapel at the Irish Independent. He embraced life fully and had an abiding interest in music and travel. The death of a colleague who had so much to offer, at such a young age is a tragedy and an immense loss. Whenever one met Eugene he was planning his next trip. He was imbued with enthusiasm and a zest for life. On a personal basis I have many happy memories of working alongside Eugene on late night shifts in the Indo, which were sometimes followed by late night socialising with colleagues from other newspapers."

 

Eugene’s former colleagues at Independent House also paid tribute in a statement issued by Michael Brennan, FoC, Independent Newspapers chapel.

 

Michael described him as a popular colleague noted for his reliability and consistency in covering The Troubles for the Irish News, Belfast and later for the Evening Herald and Irish Inependent. 

 

Colleagues variously described Eugene as an old-school hack and a happy go lucky person with a love of music and a fund of stories. His generosity was recalled also, with many remembering gestures of kindness such as bringing a takeaway meal and a bottle of brandy to a colleague who was in hospital in case she disliked the hospital food.

 

 

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