Fintan Faulkner was the quintessential newspaperman of the last generation. He died recently in Dublin, aged 74, after a sudden illness and to the genuine grief of his many friends, old and young, with whom he shared his working life.
Journalism has changed dramatically over the past 50 years in the manner of its news gathering, its presentation and its production.
In Fintan's time, especially in his years working in the provinces, the journalist was expected to be able to write news stories, compose features, "take" death notices and write leaders. Some, like Fintan, were able to set the headline type in hot metal on the huge linotype machines.
He thrived in Irish provincial journalism, editing several newspapers until the call of the national dailies brought him to Dublin where he became chief sub-editor, deputy editor and finally managing editor of the Irish Press. He retired 10 years ago.
His former editor at that paper, Tim Pat Coogan, says that in many ways Fintan was the old Irish Press, "embodying its traditions in the best sense. And, with the paper gone, a part of him went too".
Fintan was dedicated to his profession, pursuing excellence in every facet but he was extremely generous towards new recruits. He gave freely of his time in helping juniors through the early testing years and there are many in senior positions now who owe him a great debt of gratitude.
His other great love was the promotion of the Irish language and he always spoke it and wrote it when the opportunity arose. All his colleagues offer their deepest sympathies to his wife, Bridie, and his daughter, Fiona.