ONE of the leading media figures in the Republic over recent decades has been remembered for his vision and generosity.
Brian Looney, former editor of the Irish Examiner, died yesterday, aged 63.
Mr Looney was previously editor of The Kerryman newspaper, was a one-time managing director of the Dundalk Democrat, and also worked for a period as director of policy communications with Fine Gael.
He became editor of what was then the Cork Examiner in his native city in 1994.
Under his editorship, the paper was rebranded and redesigned, while its geographical focus broadened.
He oversaw a change in its title to the Examiner in 1998, which was later changed to the Irish Examiner.
"Brian transformed the Examiner at a critical time in its history, in the mid-'90s, when it needed the vision and ambition that he had in spades," said Tim Vaughan, Mr Looney's successor at the Irish Examiner.
"I will remember Brian for his wicked sense of fun and that wonderful roguish smile of his - and the kindness and generosity he showed to many people."
Mr Looney worked in the personnel department of a construction company after leaving school, before joining the Limerick Weekly Echo as a reporter.
