Changing of the guard in sports coverage 

The revamp of sports coverage across the Irish Times Regional group will see a change of face to Waterford Sport as Sports Editor Ger Lawton hands over the reigns of Waterford's leading sports supplement after 21 years at the helm. 

After moving to Waterford back in 2003, the Midleton man edited his final sports paper on August 13, with Adrian Flanagan taking up the role of Assistant Sports Editor of the South-East Irish Times Regional group, that will be headed by Ger McNally. After editing his final paper on August 13, Ger Lawton said: “After 21 great years, the edition of August 6, was my last as Sports Editor. It’s been a wonderful journey and I just want to thank everyone (far too many to mention) who have helped me along the way. Colleagues past and present, contributors, PROs, photographers, sports people, who give their times, my family etc.. I couldn’t have done it without you all.

“It’s been a blast and privilege to be part of this great newspaper for so long and I will always treasure the memories. One of the constants in my whole time in this job has been Adrian Flanagan, and I’m delighted that he will be steering the Waterford Sport ship going forward, and I wish him nothing but the best of luck. I know he’ll do a great job."

“I look forward to meeting many of you along the road at a match, the Tramore races or elsewhere, but for now it’s farewell and thank you," he said. 

Commenting on his new role, Adrian Flanagan said: “Waterford Sport has always been a passion of mine and to get the opportunity to play a part in leading it forward together with Ger McNally is something that I’m looking forward too."

“It would be remiss of me not to pay special mention to Ger Lawton for his work and dedication to Waterford Sport for the past 21 years," he said. "The Sports section of our newspaper is something that we all take great pride in, and his contribution to our award winning publication was incredible."

“We’re lucky enough to have many great contributors and photographers that play their part week in week out in ensuring the coverage of sport in Waterford and we look forward to continuing working with these people whilst also looking at aspects on how to make our coverage of sport better both digitally and in print," said Adrian. "On that note, we’re delighted to welcome Waterford FC striker Padraig Amond as part of our sports team as a football columnist. More changes will be forthcoming into the future.”