Former editor of The Connacht Tribune and award-winning political commentator John Cunningham (66) died last night in Galway after a short illness.
Mr Cunningham, from Tuam, Co Galway, had a distinguished career in journalism, winning a national journalist of the year award in 1979 and receiving an honorary master of arts degree from NUI Galway in 2006.
Mr Cunningham joined The Connacht Tribune as a reporter in 1964, becoming news editor the following decade, and left to become editor of The Waterford News and Star in 1982.
He returned to become editor of The Connacht Tribune in 1984, serving in that role till 2007. He continued to write for the newspaper throughout his recently diagnosed illness.
He was a member of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, and lectured on NUIG's postgraduate journalism course for 18 years.
Current editor of The Connacht Tribune Dave O'Connell paid tribute last night to his pioneering and influential role in the media.
Mr Cunningham is survived by his wife Nuala and four sons. Funeral arrangements are due to be confirmed.
