JOHN H KIERANS PLAYED HUGE PART IN BUSINESS LIFE OF TOWN
TRIBUTES are being paid to one of Drogheda’s finest sons John H. Kierans, who passed away peacefully on Monday morning, after a short illness, aged 80.
Founder of Anglo Printers, he is survived by his loving wife Carmel, his seven children and his grandhchildren, who will all miss him immeasurably.
Known affectionately to all as Johnny, he was a pioneer in the Irish print industry, having forged an early career in the Drogheda Independent aged 16.
After almost three decades with the Independent Group, he left to set up Anglo Printers and Ireland’s first provincial tabloid - ‘ The Local News’.
He was a character of his time, who loved Carmel and his children dearly, a close second being his other passion in life outside of work, horse racing.
A veteran of Fairyhouse, Cheltenham and many others famous racecourses, he had made the pilgrimage to Gloucestershire for decades for the famous four-day festival, in recent years travelling with three generations of the family.
His son John, who is editor in chief of the Mirror newspaper, called him ‘an amazing man’.
“And what an amazing life he lived - we will never see the like again,” he said on his facebook page.
“It was a privilege to be one of his seven children”.
Johnny and Carmel had celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage last December, and even became internet sensations in April, when they were filmed jiving at home while they cocooned together
Tributes have also come from many other quarters of the community, including Drogheda United, who said everyone at the club is saddened to hear of his passing, as one of their greatest fans and sponsors.
Cllr James Byrne caled him ‘a leader of industry in Drogheda and a great community activist, but above all, he was a devoted family man’.
He had a deep faith, and found great peace and comfort at his local mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, where he was a regular reader.
Johnny had recenty received a Civic Award from Mayor Paul Bell for his years of service and dedication to the local economy and community.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.