The death has taken place of the journalist Richard (Dick) Barrett from Portlaoise. Mr Barrett, who had been in failing health in recent years, died on Saturday at St Vincent's Nursing Home, Mountmellick, Co Laois.
Mr Barrett was a wellknown and highly respected figure in provincial journalism for many years. For more than 30 years, he served as a staff reporter for the Nationalist and Leinster Times in Carlow.
He was also a representative of a number of Dublin daily newspapers, including The Irish Times. Mr Barrett's funeral takes place this morning to the new cemetery, Portlaoise, following 10 a.m. Mass in the church of St Peter and St Paul.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Bridin and four brothers.