By Dan Walsh
The death has occurred suddenly and unexpectedly of Gerry Breen, (88), Rocksborough, Wexford, who was former editor of The People Group of Newspapers and the Ireland’s Own over many years and was also associated with historical publications.
He began his journalistic career with The People Newspapers as a young reporter in the mid-1950s and became a sub-editor and assistant editor to the late Tom Fane, before taking on the role of editor prior to Independent Newspapers purchasing the company in the early 1970s. He concluded his career as the editor of Ireland’s Own.
In recent times he was associated with Rosslare Historical Society and was editor to its five published editions of the Rosslare in History series.
Back in 1980 he consented to the invitation to be editor and wrote the foreword for BREE; The Story of a County Wexford Parish by Dan Walsh. We worked together for many years and we were lifelong friends. He was a great mentor and in recent years often interviewed him on radio.
Gerry Breen was a very kind and caring man who transformed the presentation and newspaper style from the old hot metal to a more vibrant publication and he also was an active supporter of history and heritage with a passion for his native Wexford town aligned to his generous coverage of rural parish activity across Co. Wexford.
FAMILY NOTICE; Breen (Rocksborough, Wexford), January 26, 2022, Gerry (Gerard), beloved husband of Marie and loving father of Áine, Colm, Ciarán, Nollaig, Brendan and Carol, brother of Laurence and the late Jackie and Anthony (Patrick), sadly missed by his family, son-in-law Keith, daughters-in-law Jan, Sandra, Lynn and Gill, brothers-in-law Gerard, Brendan and Raymund, sisters-in-law Ann and Brigid, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace
Reposing in Mulligans Funeral Home, The Faythe, Wexford today (Friday) from 4pm until removal at 5.45pm to Church of the Assumption, Bride Street. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 12 noon, burial afterwards in St. Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown.
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