Seamus had what it takes when push came to shove
ALL of us who work in newspapers like to think we have what it takes when push comes to shove.
When all the frills are stripped away, would we REALLY align ourselves with the old journalistic rallying cry - publish and be damned - irrespective of the personal risks?
Inevitably, would we do that when our own life is threatened - when the lives of our spouse and children could be at risk?
This is the life-and-death issue that confronted thousands of brave campaigners, including journalists and editors, throughout the Arab world during 2011.
And it was the question asked of Seamus Mcconville as Editor of The Kerryman in the early '70s.
The murderous campaign of the Provisional IRA was in full swing, particularly in Northern Ireland, but reaching deep in the Republic as well. And in the Republic, this campaign of human suffering and mayhem had, unfortunately, too many supporters in Kerry.
Seamus Mcconville stood for democracy and decency and the rule of law. So also did that great Castleisland man, teacher and journalist Con Houlihan.
Con had the temerity to write an article for The Kerryman that condemned the IRA. In those pre-computer days this entailed the article coming in in 'hard copy'.
In the case of Con Houlihan this was a distinctive hand-written document, only a few words on each page, all those words going at an angle across the paper.
Then it went to the printers to be 'input' - eventually ending up in 'hot metal' and then onto the print machine as part of the newspaper.
It was during this process that an IRA sympathiser took full account of what Con was saying - his anti-ira sentiments were simply unacceptable. They must be suppressed.
Seamus told me what followed: he was in his office when eventually a well-known Republican member of staff begged him NOT to publish Houlihan's article.
Seamus said he was stunned with what happened next: "This man went down on his knees in my office and implored me not to publish the article."
Then it came: Seamus would be shot by the IRA if he decided to do so.
It was a defining moment. It illustrated Seamus Mcconville's extraordinary strength of character - both as a person and a journalist.
The article was published in The Kerryman and Seamus had to accept armed Garda protection for himself and his family for some time afterwards.
Seamus Mcconville built upon and developed The Kerryman's huge reputation nationally as the leading regional newspaper. By doing that he has been a tremendous servant to the people of Kerry - and, because of the story outlined above, far beyond.
Inevitably, newspapers are environments that are oftentimes conflictual. It was no different in The Kerryman. But Seamus left it all 'on the field' in a manner that reflected his generosity of spirit.
One could not have spent any length of time in his company without learning a great deal - about decency, fairness and about the true meaning of that old-fashioned and much-abused word, principle.
I extend my sympathies to his wife Dolores, family and friends on their great loss. Those of us who knew him less well have lost a figure of respect, a colleague of true stature.
May he rest in peace.