Marion O'Mara remembered for her fairness, honesty and integrity
Waterford News & Star reporter Marion O'Mara speaking with Michael Martin, on his visit to Waterford.
Tributes have been paid to veteran Waterford News & Star journalist and former Deputy Editor Marion O'Mara, who died on Monday, August 17, following an illness borne with great dignity, courage and strength. She was 72.
Remembered for her fairness, honesty and integrity, Marion spent more than four decades reporting on the people, issues and events that shaped life in Waterford and beyond. Described by many as the "mammy" of regional reporting, she remained a respected and trusted figure in local journalism until her retirement in April 2019.
Marion's career spanned four and a half decades, during which she worked tirelessly serving the local community through her reporting.
Marion was more than a journalist. She was a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother to Jim, Jennifer, Niamh and Aoife. She will be greatly missed by those who held her so dear.
Whilst she had an undying love for current affairs, court reporting and political commentary, Marion fondly supported the Waterford senior hurlers the length and breadth of the country, and was a passionate Munster Rugby supporter.
Paying tribute to Marion's contribution to the media world, Damien Tiernan, broadcaster and chairperson of the Irish Southeast branch of the NUJ, said: "Marion was a superb and consistent journalist over many decades. She was a great help to her colleagues and always kept in touch in relation to news stories.
"She was an excellent 'scribe', as we say in the business, and came up with many exclusives over the years. She was also a proud, long-standing trade unionist and an active member of the National Union of Journalists during our time as journalists and afterwards.
"On behalf of the NUJ locally and nationally and me personally, we are sorry for her loss, and we want to wish her family the deepest of sympathy."
Political figures across Waterford have remembered Marion as a "fair and respectful" journalist.
Former Senator Maurice Cummins said: "So sorry to hear of Marion's passing. She was an excellent journalist, fair and factual and respectful to all her colleagues and friends. Deepest sympathies to all her family at this very sad time."
Cllr Mary Roche added: "She gave generously of her time and expertise even in her retirement. She was always friendly, professional and kind. Important qualities for a local journalist. She loved people, and Tramore and Waterford. And life. She made her mark here. Rest easy, Marion."
Cllr Adam Wyse also offered sympathy to Marion's family, saying, "Such sad news, and so sorry to hear this. A lovely, kind, intelligent person. Was such a massive help to so many people. My condolences to her family and friends. A huge loss for so many people."
His Fianna Fáil colleague, Cllr Jason Murphy, added: "Marion was an incredible person and an outstanding journalist. Thoughts and prayers to her family and many friends."
Sinn Féin and Tramore's Jim Griffin said: "Sad loss to so many; her short retirement, if you call it that, helped another sector of society by sharing her incredible knowledge."
Former News Editor of the Munster Express, Jamie O'Keeffe said: "Very saddened to hear of Marion's passing. An excellent journalist, extremely thorough in everything she did, and a helpful and good-humoured press colleague for many years."
In a post, the Munster Express management added: "All at The Munster Express are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marion O'Mara, a highly respected journalist whose distinguished career spanned 45 years.
"Marion made an immense contribution to journalism in Waterford, a contribution that continues to be valued long after her retirement in 2019.
"Her knowledge of the city and county, sharp political insight and commitment to accuracy earned her the respect of colleagues and competitors alike.
"We extend our sincere sympathy to Marion's family, friends and former colleagues at this very sad time."
