Tributes paid to Frank Curran

TRIBUTES have been paid to renowned Londonderry journalist Frank Curran who passed away on Friday morning, October 1.

Mr Curran (87) worked as a journalist in the city for almost 70 years.

He was a former editor of the Derry Journal and also worked for a time at the Derry News.

SDLP party president John Hume expressed his sorrow at Mr Curran's sad passing.

He said:

"Frank Curran has been a friend to me for over half a century and always remained a voice of reason and a source of optimism, even in the darkest of days.

"He will be best remembered as an esteemed Editor of the Derry Journal and most recently for his insightful Derry News column.

"Of course, his friends also knew his love of sport journalism to match his talent for news and opinion writing.

"Derry has lost a son of which she can be very proud and many of us have lost a dear friend.

"My heartfelt sympathy goes to May and all of their family on their great loss."

Foyle MP Mark Durkan said: "All who knew him and of him will be deeply saddened by the death of Frank Curran.

"Frank was an honest, modest, legend. He was both prolific as a scribe and prophetic as an analyst.

"He was thorough in his journalism and authoritative in his history.

"He had a great love for his city and his country which he conveyed with sincere passion, but never prejudice.

"In his career as journalist and editor he catalogued the corruption of the old gerrymandered order, the challenge of civil rights, the turbulence of the Troubles with its terrible toll on Derry, and the progress of the peace process.

"Frank had a warm, dry sense of humour which blended with serious critique in all of his conversations as well as his columns.

"He was a remarkable all-rounder, not only tracking politics locally, nationally and internationally but also sport. He didn't just cover sport well, he loved it deeply.

"He was a walking library of memories, anecdotes and references on sporting events and achievements as well as politics.

"Privately he was man of faith, professionally a journalist of conscience and personally gracious to all.

"Even though his criticism was rightly feared, he was genuinely and rightly admired by all.

"He combined the best efforts of journalism, a genuine sense of responsible service, a regard for everyone and an utter respect for truth.

"I extend my sincere condolences to Frank's loving family and we join them and his beloved profession in mourning the passing of a truly inspirational gentleman."

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