WELL KNOWN Limerick journalist Tony Purcell, who died earlier today at the age of 78, was regarded as one of the most versatile and dedicated newspaper reporters in the country.
Mr Purcell, from Gouldavoher, Fr Russell Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, passed away at University Hospital Limerick, following a short illness.
Former Mid West correspondent for the Irish Examiner, he previously worked as a reporter with the Limerick Leader newspaper.
During a career that spanned almost half a century, he covered some of the biggest crime and court stories in Limerick as well as business, politics and general news across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.
Mr Purcell worked with the Cork Examiner, later renamed Irish Examiner, for over 30 years, and was renowned for his unrivalled skills in shorthand note taking.
Paying tribute, professional news and public relations photographer Liam Burke, who worked alongside Mr Purcell for many years said: “Tony was such a nice gentleman and very popular with everybody and he’ll be sadly missed by his former colleagues across the Mid West.
“He was as hard-working a journalist as they come, and before he retired he served the Irish Examiner well in the Mid West and beyond,” added Mr Burke.
Mr Purcell, who was a member of the Munster Press Golf Society and a former secretary of Garryowen Rugby Club, is survived by his wife Ailish, daughters Louise and Elaine (Murnane).
His remains will repose at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate, Limerick City, on Monday from 5 to 6.30pm.
Mr Purcell’s funeral mass takes place at 11am Tuesday, March 1 at St Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle, followed by burial at Castlemungret Cemetery, Mungret.
