Three retiring members of the press have been honoured by the Irish-South East branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) “in recognition of services to local journalism’ at a recent branch meeting held in the Talbot Hotel, Wexford.
Damien Tiernan, Chair and member of the Irish Executive Council, presided. Dan Walsh, secretary/treasurer of the branch was organiser of the event which comprised of a general meeting for members and a presentation ceremony.
The branch honoured three retiring members – journalist Maria Pepper and photographers, Ger Hore and John Walsh -many glowing tributes came from all in attendance and Damien made the presentation of specially inscribed trophies “in recognition of services to local journalism’.
Many tributes were paid. Padraig Byrne, senior journalist with The People newspaper paid tribute to retiring journalist from The People newspaper after 40 years’ service. He said Maria Pepper’s byline “is synonymous with journalism in the South East”, and he added, “her name and work is legendary.”
Dan Walsh paid tribute to Ger Hore, who is retiring after 40 years’ service from the defunct Echo newspaper in the beginning to a long-standing contribution to The People newspaper group. He pointed out the popularity of Ger Hore and acknowledgement of his work.
Tributes were also paid to John Walsh from Enniscorthy who was a press photographer for over 20 years. In 2017, when Echo Newspapers went into liquidation, John was instantly signed up with the Enniscorthy Guardian and his images were published in the following week’s edition.
All three recipients were lauded for their contribution to the local media over collectively more than 100 years and wished the best of health to them and their families in long and happy retirement.
The attendance included life members of the union and retired journalists and photographers, and new members. A pleasant reception followed.
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