Tributes for renowned Irish journalist Paddy Clancy as ‘unique voice’ and ‘giant in news journalism’ dies aged 82

Paddy’s granddaughter, The Irish Sun’s Deputy Showbiz Editor, led tributes
TRIBUTES have poured in for renowned former Irish Sun journalist Paddy Clancy, who has died aged 82.

A native of Sligo, Mr Clancy’s impressive career spanned more than six decades.

He passed away peacefully yesterday at Sligo University Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

His career spanned a remarkable 62 years, during which he worked as Bureau Chief of The Irish Sun.

A native of Bridge Street in Sligo, Paddy worked for the Sligo Champion and then the Donegal People’s Press before going national.

He was known for many years as the unmistakable voice of RTE’s Morning Ireland segment ‘What it says in the papers’ and was also a columnist for The Irish Mirror.

He was at the heart of many high-profile events down through the years including the 1972 Bloody Sunday events in Derry, the famine in Somalia in 1990 and also reported from the White House.

In 2019, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards for his extensive contribution to the industry.

He spent many happy years in later life with his wife Bernie at their home at Creevy, Rossnowlagh Road in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal.

He will always be fondly remembered in The Irish Sun.”Irish Sun Editor Fiona Wynne

Taoiseach Micheal Martin paid tribute to the popular journalist today remembering him as an “enormous presence in Irish journalism”.

Martin said: “Saddened to learn of the passing of Paddy Clancy, an enormous presence in Irish journalism for over six decades.

“His distinctive take on RTE’s morning paper round up was essential listening.

“His reporting and columns were essential reading for many years in the Sligo Champion, Donegal People’s Press, Irish Sun and Mirror.

“My condolences to his family, friends and many former colleagues.”

Paying tribute, Irish Sun Editor Fiona Wynne said: “Paddy was a true legend of Irish journalism and one of a kind.

“As the first Bureau Chief of The Irish Sun he led the team with inimitable energy, flair and passion for the job.

“He blazed the trail for so many and is a huge loss to the industry. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends on this sad day.

“Paddy’s legacy lives on, not least in his granddaughter Georgia who we are lucky enough to work with today.

“He will always be fondly remembered in The Irish Sun.”

MOVING TRIBUTE

Paddy’s granddaughter Georgia Walsh, The Irish Sun’s Deputy Showbiz Editor, hailed Clancy for inspiring her to follow a career in journalism.

She said: “Every person that I’ve met that knew my grandad told me how much of a true legend he was.

“If he liked you, he’d do everything for you and if he didn’t think much of you – you’d know all about’,

“One of his friends told me just this week at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards. ‘He was an honest, kind, funny, loyal and dedicated man.’

“Before his surgery on Thursday night, which he sadly never woke up from, myself and his other grandkids got to say our goodbyes and he was still cracking jokes until the end of the call.”

Georgia continued: “I will be forever grateful to my grandad for inspiring me to follow in his footsteps and become a reporter.

“As soon as I showed any interest in journalism, he immediately called up his contacts and helped me get a job in The Irish Sun – which I absolutely love and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

“My grandad was a devoted husband to my nana Bernadette for 58 years and were the loves of each other’s lives.

“Their loving marriage was filled with love and laughter and anyone would be lucky to have a partnership like theirs.

“It feels like the glue that held my family together is gone but he certainly won’t be forgotten. A man like no other, my grandad Paddy.”

FUNERAL DETAILS

Paddy is survived by his wife Bernadette, his children; Ciaran, Niamh, Tara and stepdaughter Patti.

He is also survived by his grandchildren; Ciara, Georgia, Gerard, Ella, Charli, Jude, Sophie, Conor, Son-in-law Alan, Daughter-in-law Fidelma.

And Paddy will be deeply missed by his siblings, Tommy, Frank, Ann, Catherine, Bernie, Michael, Nuala, extended family, friends and neighbours.

He his predeceased by his sister Mary.

Paddy’s funeral mass will take place at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon on Tuesday January 27.

‘PROFESSIONAL OF GREAT INTERGRITY’

Paddy’s death has sent shockwaves through both the journalism community and further afield, with tributes now pouring in.

One mourner said: “Very sorry to hear of the death of Paddy Clancy, a gentleman and excellent journalist and broadcaster. May he rest in peace.”

Another person wrote: “We are so shocked to learn of Paddy’s passing.”

They added: “Paddy will be remembered as a giant in news journalism.

“He worked in local newspapers and spent time in London’s Fleet Street and with the tabloids in Ireland.

“His unique voice will be remembered for waking up the nation as the presenter of RTE’s ‘It says in the papers. More important, he was a great Dad and friend.”

Another former colleague also added: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Paddy, I worked with Paddy in Century Radio and kept in touch with him over the years.

“He was a true gentleman always great fun and a consummate professional of great integrity.”