Ireland

Retired Limerick journalist Tony Purcell dies aged 78

Correspondent helped cover some of the biggest crime stories in the county

Former news correspondent Tony Purcell

David Raleigh
Sat Feb 26 2022 - 11:54

Tributes have been paid to retired Cork Examiner news correspondent Tony Purcell who has died at the age of 78.

Mr Purcell, from Gouldavoher, Fr Russell Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, died on Friday at University Hospital Limerick, following a short illness.

Mr Purcell, who also previously worked as a reporter with the Limerick Leader was one of the country’s most versatile journalists, covering some of the biggest crime stories in Limerick; District, Circuit and Central Criminal Courts; business; politics; and general news across the mid west region.

He worked with the Cork Examiner, later renamed Irish Examiner, for more than 30 years, and was renowned for his unrivalled skills in short-hand note taking.

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Paying tribute, professional news and public relations photographer Liam Burke, who worked alongside Mr Purcell for many years said: “Tony was such a nice gentleman and very popular with everybody, he was also a fantastic golfer, and he’ll be sadly missed by his former colleagues across the midwest.

“He was as hard-working a journalist as they come, and before he retired he served the Irish Examiner well in the midwest region and beyond,” added Mr Burke.

Mr Purcell, who was a member of the Munster Press Golf Society and a former secretary of Garryowen Rugby Club, is survived by his wife Ailish, daughters Louise & Elaine (Murnane).

His reposing takes place at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate, Limerick City, on Monday 28th February, from 5pm-6:30pm.

Mr Purcell’s funeral mass takes place at 11am Tuesday, March 1st, at St Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle, followed by burial at Castlemungret Cemetery, Mungret.

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