Former NUJ president Kyran Connolly dies after long illness

Newsroom

Former NUJ president Kyran Connolly dies after long illness

The death has taken place in London after a long illness of former NUJ president and organiser Kyran Connolly. A hugely popular figure in NUJ activities of all sorts, Kyran is survived by his sister and twin brother.

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In addition to his many years as a lay activist in the union, Kyran had also worked as a full-time NUJ organiser.?

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?Last year, despite being ill with cancer, Kyran attended the union's delegate meeting in Newcastle as a delegate from his beloved Book branch. The warmth of his reception from fellow-delegates reflected the deep affection the NUJ felt for Kyran, a multi-faceted individual whose sense of fun often disguised his considerable intellectual achievements.

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NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: "Kyran had been receiving treatment for cancer for some time. But he was delighted despite ill health to be able to get to the delegate meeting in Newcastle as part of the Book branch delegation and see so many of his old friends and comrades ? and I think everyone who got to spend time with him at DM realised just how much he enjoyed himself! He'll be much missed by his many friends and comrades in the NUJ."?

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Despite his many years living in London and other places across the globe, Kyran remained a Dubliner at heart, with a profound interest in Irish culture and language as well as the Irish and world ?labour movement.?

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NUJ Irish secretary Seamus Dooley said: ?"Kyran was enormously proud of his Dublin roots and was a regular visitor to his native city.

"He would inevitably call in to the NUJ Irish office and contact his old friends and comrades. When possible he would visit a branch meeting or drop in to the Cle club for a music session.?

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"Kyran was passionate about the NUJ and as president led a protest outside Dublin District Court when then Irish Independent journalist Liz Allen faced prosecution under the Official Secrets Act.?

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"Even in failing health Kyran kept in touch with the Irish office and was especially interested in learning about the 1913 Centenary programme. He admired the spirit of Jim Larkin and throughout his life Kyran was imbued with that same spirit."

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Kyran was elected NUJ vice-president when Anita Halpin, more recently the union's general treasurer, became president. She said:"We'll all miss Kyran's quirky uniqueness which hid a depth of ?political understanding and compassion. An internationalist to the ?core, Kyran's commitment and service to our union was second to none. ?A true comrade in arms, I will remember him with great affection and ?gratitude for his friendship and support, especially as my vice-president."

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Source: http://www.nuj.org.uk/innerPagenuj.html?docid=2817

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