THE FUNERAL took place yesterday of respected journalist and former regional newspaper editor Séamus McConville, who died in Tralee at the weekend aged 79.
A working journalist for well over half a century, McConville edited the Kerrymannewspaper from 1974 to 1988. He contributed a popular weekly column until recently.
Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Dermot Clifford and 10 priests concelebrated the funeral Mass at St John’s Parish Church in Tralee.
In his homily Msgr Dan Riordan spoke of the late McConville’s deep spirituality and active participation in the church.
The Mass was attended by leading figures in Kerry and the congregation included representatives from the regional and national print and broadcast media. A guard of honour by past and present Kerrymanemployees, led by the editor Declan Malone, accompanied the hearse.
McConville began his working life at the Meath Chroniclein Navan. He then worked at the Irish News Agency in Dublin before joining the Kerrymanin 1957.
He served as the RTÉ correspondent in the southwest and was a driving force behind the Rose of Tralee in its early years. He also had a long association with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre.
Journalists hailed his sense of fairness, balance and discretion. Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan paid tribute to his contribution to Tralee’s cultural life.
He is survived by his wife Dolores, children Denise, Seán, Fiona and Marissa, and grandchildren.