Death of journalist Alan Ruddock

THE JOURNALIST Alan Ruddock died suddenly yesterday evening. It is believed he was taken ill at a cricket match and died at about 7pm last night.

In recent years Mr Ruddock wrote for the Sunday Independentnewspaper on politics, economics and sport. He co-wrote yesterday's front page story on Nama for the newspaper, as well as an extensive article inside. Last night Sunday Independentdeputy editor Willie Kealy expressed shock at news of the death of a man he described as "extremely gifted" and "a great journalist".

Ruddock was a former editor of the Scotsmannewspaper and first editor of the Sunday TimesIrish edition from 1993.

In 2002 he was among those who applied for the position as editor of The Irish Times.

His book on Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, A Life in Full Flight, was published in 2007.

Mr Ruddock lived near Tullow, Co Carlow, and is survived by his wife Jackie and their three sons.