Memories of an old friend with a shared passion for politics

When the news reached me that the former editor of the Connacht Tribune, John Cunningham had died at the relatively early age of 66 years, my mind instantly tripped back to the 1960’s when I first got to know a man that I regarded as a very good friend for almost 50 years.  

Our last telephone conversation took place a few days before Christmas as John took the call on his mobile phone from his hospital bed and after a bit of banter that we always engaged in, his parting words were that I might say a few prayers for his recovery.

In my own small humble way, I did indeed say a few Hail Marys for a man whose company I always enjoyed even if the political leg pulling wasn’t always to my benefit.

I distinctly remember ringing John way back in the 1960’s when I was very involved in Macra Na Feirme asking him if he would carry a few reports of Macra activities in the Connacht Tribune.

As ever, John Cunningham who was then a reporter with the paper was courteous and pleasant and proceeded to give advice which I was lucky enough to get at a young age. John simply said if your reports are interesting enough, are clearly written on one side of the paper only, reach us not later than Monday and have them delivered when you say you will, I will print them. That is what the Connacht Tribune was for he said. And he duly did.

Our paths crossed much more often when I entered politics in the 1970’s and I can clearly recall many instances of intrigue, serious political discussions, and an enormous amount of leg pulling and above all else great camaraderie almost every week of every year.

I can vividly remember on a bitterly cold winter’s day in 1978 being part of an IFA organised bus tour which travelled the full length of the Dunkellin River in South Galway to demand of the local politicians that the river needed a serious drainage job done.

The late Deputy Johnny Callanan, John Cunningham and myself were in the back seat and facing us were Tony Morrissey of Ardrahan, PJ Reilly and the late Tommy Deeley both of New Inn. Johnny Callanan and I got a real earful on that bus trip, a fact not lost on John Cunningham and he got sufficient copy from that trip that lasted him for the best part of ten years and two general elections.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.