The death has occurred of journalist Tomas O Duinn, a former sub-editor with the Irish Times. He died yesterday evening at St James's Hospital, Dublin, following a short illness.
In a career spanning 60 years, Mr O Duinn (79) worked extensively in the provincial press, serving as editor on the Leinster Express and Enniscorthy Echo. O'Duinn's wife Nessa, who died last year, was daughter of former TD and Mayor of Kilkenny Peter DeLoughry. Born in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, O'Duinn he began his career at the local Nationalist newspaper. Stints at the Limerick Leader, Dublin Standard and Kilkenny People led to his appointment as deputy editor of the Limerick Weekly Echo.
Mr O Duinn served as editor of the Leinster Express and the Enniscorthy Echo before joining The Irish Times as a sub-editor. Following his retirement in 1986 he became an occasional contributor to the Irishman's Diary column. O' Duinn was a keen scholar and An authority on Irish history, genealogy, religious affairs and politics, he broadcast a number of essays on history and folklore for Radio na Gaeltachta and in 1980 published an Irish language biography, Ar mo chonlan fein (Going my own Way). He was a life member of the National Union of Journalists.
Mr O Duinn is survived by his children Win, Conor and Declan, sister Peggy, daughter-in-law Mary and grandchildren Peter, Cathy, Laura and David. His wife Nessa died last year.