David Morgan: a meticulous reporter of the Troubles

David Morgan, who has died at 56 in his home city of Belfast, was a quiet master of the journalist's trade. In a career that lasted three decades, he reported on much Troubles'-related violence. When sent out on a job, he always produced the story. One of the reasons he could do this was his great empathy for victims and survivors. His work, and the personal qualities he brought to it, came at a cost. He suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

He had a meticulous attention to detail. That meant he was one of the contributors to the book Lost Lives, the definitive record of deaths in the Troubles.

But he was much more than a Troubles’ journalist. Among his strengths was the ability to recognise the angle that made a story interesting and relevant. He could then quickly assemble it, for the printed page or for broadcast.

His career began in the early 1980s in print journalism, with the Irish News and then the Sunday World. From there he moved into broadcasting, working with BBC, UTV and finishing his career as news editor of Belfast radio station Citybeat (now Q radio).

He was also a strong trade unionist, with a passionate commitment to public service broadcasting. For a time he was secretary of his branch of the National Union of Journalists, and served as a Northern Ireland representative on one of the union’s industrial councils.

David Edward Morgan was born in Toronto, Canada, in October 1959, the eldest of three boys. When he was still a young child, the family returned to Belfast and settled in the New Lodge area of north Belfast. After primary school, he attended St Malachy's College in the city. He then studied journalism at the Belfast College of Business Studies (now part of Belfast Metropolitan College).

After beginning his career with the Irish News, he took some time out and travelled to the US. He worked as a waiter in San Francisco, while supplying stories to newspapers at home. His wanderlust sated, he returned to Belfast and the Irish News, where he met his wife, Tina.

Personally, he was quiet with a good sense of humour. He was an enthusiastic cook, who shared his recipes.

Tragically, his contribution to journalism was cut short, as ill-health blighted his last years.

He is survived by his son, Richard; mother Mary, and brothers Paul and Kevin. He was predeceased by his wife, Tina.