Irish journalist and Gaelic footballer (1939–2024)
Jack Fagan (11 July 1939 – 15 September 2024) was an Irish journalist, who spent many years with the Irish Times. He was also a Gaelic footballer with Meath and won an All-Ireland MFC medal in 1957.
Sporting career
Fagan first played Gaelic football to a high standard as a student at Navan Vocational School. He was part of the Meath vocational schools' team that won the All-Ireland Vocational Schools' SFC title in 1956.[1] Fagan's adult club career with Navan O'Mahonys also began around this time. He was part of the club's senior team that won five consecutive Meath SFC titles between 1957 and 1961.[2]
Fagan first played for Meath at inter-county level as a member of the minor team. He was part of the team that won the All-Ireland MFC after beating Armagh in the 1957 All-Ireland minor final.[3] Fagan progressed to the junior team and won a Leinster JFC medal in 1958. He made his senior team debut during their 1958-59 National League campaign.
Journalism career
Fagan's career as a journalist began in the late 1950s with the Meath Chronicle, before moving to the Drogheda Independent. He joined the Irish Times as a reporter in the early 1960s. Fagan's 50-year career with that newspaper saw him hold various positions, including aviation correspondent, deputy news editor and property editor.[4] He officially retired in 2004, however, he remained with the newspaper as editor of their commercial property coverage. Fagan finally retired in January 2019.[5]
Death
Fagan had Alzheimer's disease for the last few years of his life. He died on 15 September 2024, at the age of 85.[6][7]
Honours
- Navan O'Mahonys
- Meath
References
