Warm tributes have been paid to well-known Waterford journalist Marion O’Mara who has died aged 72.
Marion (née Connors) late of Drumcannon, Tramore died peacefully with her loving family by her side yesterday (Monday).
Marion worked as a journalist with the Waterford News & Star for 45 years and also served as Deputy Editor. Marion reported on all of the major stories to impact Waterford during this time, including numerous local and general elections.
Dan Linehan, General Manager of the Irish Times Regional Group, has paid tribute to Marion, saying she contributed so much to the success of the newspaper and was caring, generous to her colleagues and defined editorial standards.
“She was passionate about news and the newspaper, cared about the paper, the readers and her colleagues. She was extraordinarily accurate and thorough in everything she did and was a wonderful friend, colleague and team member,” he said.
Marion witnessed huge changes in the local media landscape and embraced technological advances.
After she retired in 2019, Marion maintained her keen interest in all Waterford affairs and was a contributor during WLR’s General Election 2024 coverage.
In recent years, she also went on to play an active role wtih Waterford Older People’s Council and was a spokesperson on numerous issues impacting older people in Waterford. She was also instrumental in organising and hosting events such as the OPC’s Age Well Expo.
She also volunteered her time with Tramore Tidy Towns.
In tributes online, Marion has been remembered as a “brilliant friend and mentor” to countless other journalists.
Her death notice reads: “Marion will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Jim; her daughter Jennifer; her adoring grandchildren Niamh and Aoife; her brothers Michael and Thomas; her sister Bridget and her son-in-law Eoin. Marion will be fondly remembered by all her nieces, her nephews, her extended family, relatives, neighbours, and many friends.”
The O’Mara family have thanked with great appreciation all the staff in the Community Palliative Care team and the Night Nurse Service for the excellent care and attention Marion received throughout her illness.
Marion’s reposal will take place on Wednesday 19th August at Falconers Funeral Home, Tramore X91TW21 from 5pm to 7pm.
Marion’s Requiem Mass will take place on Thursday 20th of August at 10am in The Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore, after which Marion will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Marion’s funeral cortege will walk from the Junction of Priest Road and Summerhill at approximately 9:40am to arrive for her Requiem Mass.
May She Rest in Peace
