Tributes as 'outstanding journalist, raconteur, and man of integrity' Michael O'Regan dies
Michael O'Regan was a proud Kerryman. Picture: X /Michael O'Regan
Tributes have been paid to "outstanding journalist, raconteur, and man of integrity," Michael O'Regan following his sudden death.
A proud Kerryman, Mr O'Regan was a well-known voice across radio and television and a respected political journalist, having worked for the in Leinster House for over 30 years.
His weekly Friday 'Call from the Dáil' segment on Radio Kerry became a highly popular and entertaining slot, with his final contribution on the local station coming last Friday.
Tributes have this morning been pouring into the station from listeners following his unexpected death.
He retired from the in 2019 but continued to write occasional articles for the paper, including a powerful feature on his own cancer diagnosis.
He regularly appeared on media panels and his witty, precise, and insightful political analysis on X (formally Twitter) gained him many online followers.
While he lived in Dublin for many years, Mr O'Regan never forgot his native Derrymore near Camp and served as president of the Kerry Association in Dublin in recent years.
President Michael D Higgins said he had the "utmost respect" for Mr O'Regan, whose journalistic career coincided very closely with his own time in Leinster House.
"Throughout the many years in which we met, Michael was always warm and engaging in conversation on the many topics which were for discussion. He was incredibly courteous, and a perfect judge of when an injection of the humour, upon which he drew from his proud Kerry background, was needed."
President Higgins said the "grounding of his work in extensive research ensured that Michael not only brought a full understanding of each of the topics on which he wrote to the readers of the Irish Times, but also to those who benefited from his regular contributions to radio and television panel discussions".
"In recent years, Michael wrote about his cancer treatment with great dignity. In writing with such clarity and honesty of his treatment, he provided a great service to others in helping provide a sense of understanding and how they may seek to face their own treatments. As ever, Michael’s meticulous skills of context, warmth and clarity were to the fore."
He also pointed to the "significant contribution" in his coverage of the Kerry Babies Tribunal, both during the tribunal itself and in his book on that tragic event and its handling.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin described Mr O'Regan as "an outstanding journalist, raconteur and man of integrity".
"A political journalist for all of my Dáil career, Michael was engaging, objective, and great company.
Fine Gael's Brendan Griffin said Mr O'Regan was a giant in Irish political discourse who always stayed in touch with the ordinary people.
"His work as a journalist over many decades has helped shape this country for the better, and his wit and sharp analysis brought politics to the people.
"I'll never forget him for taking the time to stop and chat in the corridors of Leinster House in my early days in Dáil Éireann, imparting his wisdom and knowledge to a young and slightly daunted TD 'from the other side of the mountain'.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae wrote online: “I want to say to how saddened we all are to learn of Michael O’Regan’s passing.
“Michael was everything that’s good about political reporting and journalism. He was a rock of common sense in the halls of Leinster and reflected that in his reporting.”
Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly said Irish journalism has "lost a giant" and said he loved the intrigue of Leinster Hosue without ever becoming cynical.
Mr O’Regan qualified from the first national course in journalism at the College of Commerce in Rathmines in 1972 and worked with and before joining in 1981. He was appointed a Dáil reporter in 1988.
As one of the most experienced correspondents in Leinster House, Mr O'Regan was hugely encouraging of younger journalists. An extraordinary raconteur, he was generous with his time and always welcomed colleagues into his office on the Dáil gallery for a chat and to offer advice.
His work on the Kerry babies case, about which he wrote the book , was highly acclaimed.
Séamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists wrote on X: “Michael was a man of wisdom, kindness, humour. He could be provocative, even annoying but never dull — the very best of company. He loved storytelling. It was what he did best.”
In a post online late last night, the Kerry Association said that it had lost “our beloved friend and wonderful president Michael O’Regan”.
“He was a brilliant and courageous reporter on national and local issues but it is as a proud Kerryman to his core that we will remember him — proud of his daughters, his grandchildren, his country, his county, and his people. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dílis.”
The February meeting of Kerry County Council began with cross-party tributes from all parties and independents.
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Jim Finucane, Fine Gael, speaking on Radio Kerry and in the council chamber said Michael was a true master of his craft and had a huge interest in public life along with a huge amount of background knowledge.
"His political knowledge was second to none," Mr Finucane said.
He knew the intricacies and "sometimes the antics" of politics and politicians.
"He loved it and he loved what he was doing. He was a true master of his craft as a journalist. He will be remembered fondly by anyone who came in touch with him," the cathaoirleach said.
'"You don't see his equals too often in the present climate," Mr Finucane said.
Veteran Tralee councillor Johnny Wall (FF) said he was "a consummate journalist".
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