Madam, - It was with a mixture of sadness and gratitude that I read the page in Monday's edition devoted to the memory of that singularly graced gentleman, Douglas Gageby. Over his years as editor of The Irish Times I enjoyed intermittent dealings with him, both professionally and personally.
He was for me, as a Catholic priest and periodic journalist, the epitome of what the ideal newspaper editor might be: critical by calling, just by character, kindly by instinct, catholic by leaning and refreshing in the play of his distinctive humour. His gifts combined to create, above all, a figure of perennial encouragement. Apart from his professional magnanimity, he was generous and wise as counsellor in matters of private concern.
The work of journalism was his life's blood. Adapting the old clerical saw "once a priest always a priest", he would cheerily pronounce as an article of faith, "Once a journalist always a journalist". May I express my gratitude for the memory of this especially good man. Requiescat in pace. - Yours, etc.,
Father TOM STACK, Ramleh Park, Milltown, Dublin 6.