Journalist Dave Halloran fondly remembered in his native Mayo

WARM tributes have been paid following the death of journalist Dave Halloran, a native of Ballina, who had a long and distinguished career with Independent Newspapers.

Mr. Halloran was based in Castlebar for a number of years when he worked with the Mayo News early in his career.

He was also a familiar figure in the offices of The Connaught Telegraph - his first port of call on arriving on the bus to start his job in the county town - and he is still fondly remembered by many from his time in Castlebar.

Back in 1996 he contributed an article to this newspaper's commemorative supplement marking the opening of the newspaper's new premises on Cavendish Lane where he recalled the great friendship he enjoyed with late Connaught Telegraph editor Tom Courell.

Mr. Halloran passed yesterday (Sunday) aged 79 and has been remembered as a skilled journalist of the 'old school' whose leadership qualities stood out.

He was deputy group news editor at the time of his retirement from Independent Newspapers, where he gave 37 years of service.