Paddy Clancy: natural communicator, passionate storyteller, a decent human being

Few people have epitomised the true values of journalism like Paddy Clancy, writes Siobhán McNamara. 

When I say values, I mean it in every sense of the word - the societal value of high quality, impartial journalism; ethical values; valuing people and never shying away from being their voice when it came to holding decision-makers to account.

He had the grit, tenacity and courage to get to the heart of a story, and the writing craft to tell it in a way that was accessible to everyone. In recent days, I saw a headline describing him as King of the Tabloids. A fitting tribute - it encapsulates how he could take the complexities of politics, of finance, of the Troubles, the biggest stories, the saddest, the darkest, and tell them in the simplest language so that they made sense to those most affected. 

In short, he was a natural communicator, a passionate storyteller, and a very decent human being. 

I was fortunate to get to know Paddy when I started in journalism, and to have his experience and guidance always only a phone call away. He was generous in introducing me to people, in occasionally  pointing stories my way when he began to step back from work. 

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I will remember Paddy fondly for all these reasons, and most of all, for being a constant, compassionate friend at a time when I was dealing with loss, grief and adjusting to the changes this brought to my personal and working life. And somehow, every conversation would end with a good laugh or at least a smile. 

From conversations that I have had since his death on Friday evening, January 23, I was far from alone. Paddy is remembered throughout our profession as a great mentor, a font of wisdom and of wit, and a friend to many. He was a custodian of standards across all media platforms, from traditional print to radio and television, to web journalism. 

Paddy had the versatility to adapt quickly to changes in how news was accessed. And whatever the platform, it was the quality of content that mattered above all else. 

Tributes have been flooding in from media personnel across the country and beyond. The esteem in which he was held by his peers and the sense of loss that they are experiencing since his passing is a great testament to his contribution to journalism. 

Here is a sample of what his peers have been saying over recent days: 

Andrea Gilligan, Newstalk Presenter said: “He was an incredible journalist with a truly recognisable voice in homes across the country. He was so giving of his time to many young reporters starting out and he was a great mentor to me. I learned so much from him. Paddy could spot a story anywhere! I’ll always remember working as a runner on his weekend current affairs show in Ocean Fm while in college and the day he gave me my first opp on air in 2007. I’ve so many great memories of him. He was just superb and will be so sadly missed! Sincere condolences to Bernie and  his family.”

Séamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary said: "Paddy Clancy was an old-fashioned, hard-nosed reporter who loved the cut and thrust of journalism. Serious minded but never po-faced, he loved the world of tabloid journalism and abhorred professional snobbery. He loved the sociability of journalism and was never slow to share his opinions. Under a sometimes gruff manner, Paddy was a generous mentor and a source of encouragement to younger colleagues. He was passionate about journalists and journalism and that was the hallmark of his union activities.”

Journalist Gerry McLaughlin said: “Paddy was never afraid to ask the hard question and expected those who worked for him to be just as brave, or he would soon let you know. But moxy on its own just ain’t enough, as there is also the not inconsiderable matter of being able to write, to tell a complex tale in simple terms and that is where he excelled.For many, he was the greatest Irish tabloid writer of them all and he has been a father figure to scores of journalists in the past 40 years.

“He kept his gifts under an at times bluff exterior that couldn’t hide a big heart and a generosity with his talent.”

Former Press Association Ireland editor Deric Henderson said: “I first met Paddy Clancy on the Don Tidey IRA kidnap story at Ballinamore, County Leitrim, in December 1983. Irish journalism has lost a brilliant operator and a great character. He leaves us with some wonderful memories.”

Group editor for the Irish Mirror and Irish Star Neil Leslie said: “To many of us Paddy was the 'hack's hack'.

“He was the Godfather of Irish tabloids. But also just a top class journalist, a brilliant reporter and an old style newshound with that elusive nose for a story that marks out the best in this business.”

Editor of the Irish Mirror’s website, Billy Scanlan, said: "Paddy wasn't a great of Irish journalism, he was THE great of Irish journalism. So many in this business, myself included, owe our careers to him.”

Crime correspondent for the Irish Mirror and Irish Star Mick O’Toole said: “I was saddened  to hear of the death of newsman Paddy Clancy. He was very approachable and helpful to young hacks.

“I  always enjoyed his What The Papers Say segment on Morning Ireland - he was very kind in acknowledging reporters when they got a good splash. RIP, Paddy.”

Journalist Philip Nolan said: “I can’t tell you how sad I am to learn of Paddy Clancy’s death. An old-school journalist who could smell a good story on the wind. We never worked together, but I was hugely fond of him and his wife, Bernie. Meeting both was always a delight, and his impish humour will be missed.”

Paddy’s granddaughter Georgia Walsh who is the Irish Sun’s deputy showbiz editor said: “Every person that I’ve met that knew my grandad told me how much of a true legend he was.

“If he liked you, he’d do everything for you and if he didn’t think much of you – you’d know all about it.

“One of his friends told me just this week at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards: ‘he was an honest, kind, funny, loyal and dedicated man.’

“Before his surgery on Thursday night, which he sadly never woke up from, myself and his other grandkids got to say our goodbyes and he was still cracking jokes until the end of the call.

 “I will be forever grateful to my grandad for inspiring me to follow in his footsteps and become a reporter.”

Much has been documented about Paddy’s career, from his early years in the Sligo Champion and Donegal People’s Press to working on the Irish Press before fulfilling his goal to move to Fleet Street, the beating heart of newspapers in the UK. 

There is hardly a national newspaper to which he had not contributed in some way, be it freelance submissions or management roles. He left his mark in particular on print, radio and web platforms, all of which are richer for his presence. 

Paddy fought - and won - for improved pay for freelance journalists.

He was a co-founder of the Ireland International News Agency (IINA), and a regular writer for the International publication, the Irish Voice 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 Covid patient at death’s door after contracting the virus while in hospital hit home to many, bringing an insight that was raw, honest and sobering.

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, most of all by his dear family who meant so much to Paddy - his wife Bernie, son Ciaran, daughters Niamh and Tara, his adored grandchildren, his siblings, his extended family and a wide circle of friends.