Veteran newspaper editor Jim McGuire dies

West of Ireland journalist edited four regional newspapers and served on RTÉ Authority

Jim McGuire edited several newspapers throughout his career, including The Kerryman.
Jim McGuire edited several newspapers throughout his career, including The Kerryman.

Veteran west of Ireland journalist and newspaper editor Jim McGuire has died at the age of 86 after a long illness.

Mr McGuire, who was from Ballina, Co Mayo, began his career as a reporter with The Western People, and was appointed regional correspondent for Independent newspapers, based in Limerick.

He rejoined The Western People as editor, and later as managing editor. He also edited The Drogheda Independent and The Kerryman and was co-founder and managing editor of The Western Journal.

He served two terms on the RTÉ Authority, and was author of several publications, including Steeple and People, an illustrated history of the growth of Ballina and The Light That Never Goes Out on the life of Fr Joe Foy, a priest who was defrocked and became a healer.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times