Sadness in Donegal and beyond at death of respected journalist Paddy Clancy

There is huge sadness in Donegal, Sligo and beyond following the death of journalist Paddy Clancy.

Paddy passed away peacefully at Sligo University Hospital on Friday, January 23 surrounded by his loving family. Late of Rossnowlagh Road, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Paddy was a native of Sligo Town. 

For those closest to him, he has a dearly loved and devoted family man and friend.

In the media, he was among the most respected figures nationally and internationally. Here in Donegal, he worked for a time at the Donegal Post and was a regular contributor to the Donegal Democrat and other news outlets in the county.

Nationally, he worked for the now defunct Irish Press, The Irish Sun, and as a columnist for the Irish Mirror. He contributed to many other national newspapers, and had a slot on RTE Radio 1 where he presented What It Says In The Papers. He also worked on Century Radio and Ocean FM. 

Paddy’s working life also took him to the UK, where he worked for the Daily Telegraph, and he brought news from home to the Diaspora through his contribution to the Irish Voice newspaper and its website irishcentral.com

In 2019, Paddy was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to the industry.

It was testament to his commitment to the profession that during the Covid-19 pandemic, he spoke from his hospital bed on the Claire Byrne Show on RTE. His account of the terrifying ordeal of being a seriously ill Covid patient and of having contracted the virus in hospital hit home to many, bringing an insight that was raw and honest. 

While Paddy’s passing at the age of 82 leaves a huge gap, his contribution has been immense. He will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him, and by his dear family who meant so much to him.