Many tributes are being paid to journalist John Kelly, who died in Dublin Tuesday aged 78.
To all these the Irish Echo would like to add its own.
John, simply, was one of our own.
Kelly, for many years, penned a weekly column for the Irish Echo that kept readers informed on all the twists and turns in Irish politics and society.
His ever popular column would probe, praise and criticize. At times he would use a fictional alter ego, "Lally," to put into words the feelings of his fellow Irishmen and women.
The author of several books, John co-wrote - with Andrew Brasier - a biography of Harry Boland entitled "A Man Divided."
John was old school even as he presented a new and ever changing Ireland, its challenges, aspirations, successes and divisions.
He died peacefully in a Dublin hospital with his family by his side.
John was the dearly beloved husband of Mary and cherished father of Deirdre, Jim, Lisa, Rosaleen and Danny. he had nine grandchildren.
John's newspaper career began at the Carlow Nationalist but he was most closely associated with the Irish Press Group which published the Irish Press, Evening Press and Sunday Press.
He was an activist with the National Union of Journalists and for a number of year led the union chapter, or "chapel," at the Press Group. John was a lifetime honorary member of the union which represents journalists in both Ireland and Britain.
John was also chair of the union's Dublin newspapers branch and served for a brief period on the union’s National Executive Council.
In a tribute Séamus Dooley, NUJ 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 humor and could be relied on for a colorful 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.”
John also occupies a place of honor in the Irish Echo story. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
