NUJ tributes to John Kelly
Tributes have been paid to retired journalist and NUJ Member of Honour John Kelly.
Mr Kelly died suddenly at the weekend and his funeral takes place tomorrow (Wednesday). He served for many years as a journalist with the Irish Press Group and was widely recognised for his tenacity and strong news sense. Following the closure of the Irish Press he worked as a freelance reporter covering courts and tribunals where his legendary shorthand and attention to detail stood him in good stead.
He was a stalwart of the NUJ chapel at Burgh Quay, where he served as Father of the Chapel and long-time Committee member, Chair of Dublin newspapers branch and served for a brief period on the union’s National Executive Council. John was awarded the NUJ’s highest award, Member of Honour, for his services to the union.
In a tribute Séamus Dooley, assistant general secretary said:
“John Kelly was synonymous with the Irish Press chapel. He had a blunt, no-nonsense style in negotiations and in chairing meetings. He had a droll sense of humour and could be relied on for a colourful turn of phrase.
“John is also remembered as a generous and engaging colleague who had an abiding concern for the welfare of journalists. He took journalism and the working conditions of journalists seriously but never took himself too seriously.
“He covered many significant events during his career, ranging from the Kerry Babies Inquiry to the Moriarty Tribunal, endless elections, and political controversies. He was an elegant writer and author, reflected in his contribution to the XPress newspaper, published by locked out NUJ members when the company ceased publication.
He was proud of his roots in the Dublin Liberties and had hoped to take part in centenary celebrations for the Tenters housing scheme later this year. On behalf of the President, General Secretary and NEC I extend sympathy to his wife Mary, who was always supportive of his union activities, and to Deirdre, Jim, Lisa, Rosaleen, and Danny.”
Martin Fitzpatrick, Chair, Dublin branch and a former Sunday Press colleague of John Kelly, said:
“John was a huge presence in journalism in Ireland. He will forever be associated with Burgh Quay. The Irish Press, Sunday Press and Evening Press produced many fine journalists and John earned a deserved reputation as a top-class reporter.
“Since his death many have referred to him as ‘old school’ and John certainly believed in the basic principles of good journalism. He was a man of strong opinions, but he never allowed his own views to colour his reports or judgment on the news desk. We in Dublin (Newspapers) branch valued his contribution at chapel and branch level and were pleased to nominate him for selection as a Member of Honour.”
A tribute by broadcaster RTÉ has been published and includes words by Kelly's daughter Deirdre. Read the tribute.
Details of the funeral of John Kelly may be found here: https://rip.ie/death-notice/john-kelly-malahide-dublin/504948