TRIBUTES AS JOURNALIST DAVID RETIRES
IT was the end of an era as news editor David Tucker retired from People Newspapers after 20 years of service.
David, who came to Wexford after working for many years as a foreign correspondent with Reuters, had a long and distinguished journalistic career covering many key moments in history.
At his retirement party in the Talbot Hotel, Michael Ryan, Managing Director, INM Regionals - East, welcomed David’s wife Rachel, son Adam, daughter Erin as well as David’s colleagues from People Newspapers.
He said that David had been a consummate professional during his time with People Newspapers, covering each and every story meticulously. He said that David always knew the correct tone to take with a story and was able to get to the nub of the issue very succinctly.
David, he said, had been a fantastic addition to the People Newspaper team and over the years had proven to be an invaluable member of staff who was always willing to go above and beyond to ensure People Newspapers titles were at the cutting edge of news coverage in counties Wexford and Wicklow.
Mr Ryan said David has a great knowledge of Wexford and knew people from every corner of the county. This in-depth local knowledge had served to enhance the excellent reporting that was always associated with David, he said.
He also spoke about the way in which David had mentored many of the young journalists who had come to work in People Newspapers during his tenure there. He said that David had taken new staff members under his wing, honing their skills and gently guiding them along.
He said that many staff membershad often turned to David for advice, both professionally and personally, and they had appreciated the insights he brought to any situation.
David, he said, had always been able to see the work that needed to be done and quietly set about doing it.
Group editor Jim Hayes, who made a presentation to David of a special souvenir front page of the Wexford People created by colleagues Esther Hayden and Toddy Walsh, said David’s retirement was a loss for the company. He said that over the years he had proven to be an invaluable member of staff and a great friend to him and other staff members.
David’s colleague Maria Pepper also made a presentation on behalf of the staff.
David thanked everyone for attending and said his time at People Newspapers had been very happy. He said he will miss the banter with everyone and the cut and thrust of the newspaper industry.
However he said he is busy making plans for his retirement and has a number of projects lined up.