Michael J. Lawlor, who died last Saturday, August 28th, aged 94, was a former News Editor (Radio) at Radio Eireann and RTE from 1945 to 1970.
After graduating from UCD with a BA, Michael Lawlor entered journalism as a young reporter with the Southern Star in Skibbereen. He then had a spell with the Western People in Ballina, Co Mayo. On his return to Dublin he worked as a casual reporter with The Irish Times and the Irish In- dependent before joining the Irish Press on its foundation in 1931 as a reporter. He covered many of the main news stories of the period and often recalled the bombing of the North Strand in Dublin by German bombers early in the second World War.
The newsroom he inherited in Radio Eireann was very different from those often shown on television today - just a small room under the eaves of the GPO, with a long table down the middle, a few battered typewriters, two telephones connected to the Radio Eireann manual switchboard and one teleprinter feeding in the agency news service.
For the news editor there was a small office where, if he opened the window, he could hear the buzz of Henry Street and the cries of the dealers in Moore Street.
He did, however, have some great staff including Frank Keane, Jim McElroy, Eddie Cusack and Seamus O Morain. In those days Radio Eireann did not open until 1 p.m. and had three English news bulletins at 1.30 p.m., 6.30 p.m. and 10.15 p.m. As the late Supreme Court Judge, Niall McCarthy, himself a one time newsreader, remarked "to think we managed the second World War with the 6.30 p.m. News on Radio Eireann and 9 p.m. News on the BBC."
In April, 1946, the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Mr Paddy Little, announced that it was intended to start a short-wave service in 1947. This had major implications for all of Radio Eireann and Michael Lawlor set about strengthening the news service. He stated that it was inconceivable that Ireland should broadcaston shortwave an emasculated copy of the BBC bulletins. What was wanted was not only more staff in the newsroom, but a proper service of world news.
In 1948, the Inter-Party government was elected and the short-wave plans were cancelled. Michael Lawlor, however, continued his efforts to improve the news service, introducing new elements like the popular daily Topical Talks at 1.40 p.m., Provincial News Round-up and City Newsreel with John Ross.
During a newspaper strike in 1952 the opportunity was taken to begin morning news bulletins at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. The development of a television service was the main broadcasting talking point in the late 1950s and Michael Lawlor pressed very strongly the merits of keeping the two news services together. He was successful, and when Pearse Kelly was appointed Head of the News Service in July, 1961, Michael joined him as News Editor (Radio) and also served with his successor, J.P. McGuinness.
In fact, the News Department was the first to be transferred to the new and somewhat unfinished building at Donnybrook. The first broadcast from the future headquarters was the 1.30 p.m. radio news on Sunday, December 10th, 1961 - three weeks before the start of television. A national VHF service was completed in 1967 and the hours of broadcasting extended, so that when he retired in 1970 the radio news service had become an even more important element in Irish broadcasting.
Michael Lawlor was a Dubliner. He was born in Monkstown and attended the Presentation Brothers in Glasthule from where he won a scholarship to UCD. His interest in journalism probably came from his London-born father, James Charles Lawlor, who was for many years on the staff of The Irish Times. He certainly took a different path in life from his brothers, three of whom - A.X., Anthony, and Denis - each held the rank of colonel in the Army, and the Rev Gerald Lawlor SJ, who spent most of his missionary life in India.
Listening to his discussions on matters of the day or prompted by an item that caught his eye in The Times of London one sometimes felt that he should have been across the road in UCD influencing the new generations rather than worrying about the lead story for the 1.30 p.m. bulletin.
He was, however, a stickler for good grammar and well-researched and well-written pieces. It was rare that his own depth of knowledge, his mastery of languages, and his deep insight into all aspects of the 20th Century were found wanting.
He was a part of RTE and for more than 25 years after his formal retirement he continued to do research and to provide advance warning on anniversaries and upcoming events. In all he did he displayed meticulous attention to detail and his own quiet brand of humour. Michael was predeceased by his wife Betty (nee O'Connor) and is survived by his sister-in-law, Kitty O'Connor, a nephew and nieces.
Michael Lawlor: born 1905; died August 1999