Frank feted by National Union of Journalists and President Higgins

RENOWNED Westport based photographer Frank Dolan was one of eight members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) who were honoured for their lifelong membership of the union at a ceremony on Friday last.

Hosted by the NUJ West of Ireland Branch, members from Galway and Mayo came together at the PorterShed in Galway City to honour colleagues who have remained committed to the union for 40 years or more.

And in a congratulatory message to recipients, President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to their dedication to local journalism “as guardians of our democracy at its grassroots”.

Among those honoured was Westport-based photographer, Frank Dolan, who has been a member of the NUJ since 1976.

Frank's work has been a cornerstone of The Mayo News for over 50 years and editor of The Mayo News, Michael Duffy, said it was fitting for the NUJ to honour Frank.

“Frank Dolan's name is synonomous with both journalism and photography, not just in the west of Ireland, but all over the country. Frank has covered every big news story that has happened in Westport and Mayo for the last 50 years and he can still be seen out and about covering local functions, particularly for his beloved Westport Utd. Well done to all in the NUJ for honouring Frank.”

Other recipients included current and former staff members at the Connacht Tribune – journalists Bernie Ní Fhlatharta, Francis Farragher, John McIntyre, and photographer Joe O’Shaughnessy.

Tom Gilmore, known for his work in The Tuam Herald and on Galway Bay FM; Tuam Herald photographer Ray Ryan; and Máirtín Davy Ó Coisdealbha, formerly of Raidió na Gaeltachta, were also presented with Life Membership certificates.

Bernie Ní Fhlatharta, who was a journalist with the Connacht Tribune for 34 years, and who was one of the early stars of Irish-language television on TnaG (later TG4) was presented with NUJ Gold Badge for extraordinary services to the union.

Paying tribute to Ms Ní Fhlatharta, West of Ireland Branch Secretary Stephen Corrigan said she was, for many years, the face of the NUJ in the West of Ireland.

“Nobody deserves recognition more for their life-long commitment to the NUJ than Bernie Ní Fhlatharta. She has sacrificed countless hours for her union and her colleagues over the years, and so it’s only right that we celebrate her tonight with the Gold Badge Award for her exceptional contribution to the NUJ,” he said.

NUJ Irish Organiser, Ian McGuinness, said the award recipients were a credit to the union and through their long dedication to the NUJ, they had enabled the union to fight for members across the country.

“Paying your subs for forty years is an act of solidarity,” he said.

Branch Cathaoirleach Siobhán Holliman said it was a privilege for the West of Ireland Branch to celebrate its members of honour and praised their ongoing dedication to the NUJ.

President Michael D Higgins extended his heartfelt congratulations to the NUJ West of Ireland Branch members receiving awards.

In a message read out on his behalf at the ceremony, he described Life Membership of the NUJ as an “acclaimed accolade” recognising members’ dedicated service and commitment to local journalism.

“In particular, may I commend Bernie Ní Fhlatharta on receiving the National Union of Journalists’ Gold badge. Bernie’s years of extraordinary service to the union, and exceptional work for the Connacht Tribune have made a profound impact on the Irish Journalism landscape,” said President Higgins.

“May I also extend my congratulations to Joe O’Shaughnessy, Francis Farragher, John McIntyre, Ray Ryan, Tom Gilmore, Frank Dolan and Máirtín Davy Ó Coisdealbha.

“Your decades of hard work and commitment in Galway, Mayo and beyond have played a vital role in shaping the provincial journalism scene,” he continued.