Remembering Joan Duignan... Chronicle reporter for over three decades died 10 years ago this week
Image 1 of 5
Joan Duignan (right) reporting on the opening of the newly refurbished Meath County Council chamber in Navan, with then council chairman, Johnny Murtagh, county manager, Frank O’Brien, and local clergy, with Cllr Gerry Marry sitting at the end of the table, with back to camera.Image 2 of 5
The young Chronicle reporter, Joan Duignan.Image 3 of 5
At reporter Joe Ryan’s retirement gathering in 1985 were, back, from left, Frank O’Brien, Meath county manager, Cllr Johnny Murtagh, Jim Davis, editor, Meath Chronicle; Joe Ryan, Cllr Brendan Clusker; front, Joan Duignan, Clare and Pauline Ryan.Image 4 of 5
Joan Duignan and Jack Davis at a function to mark Jack Davis’ 50 years with the Meath Chronicle. Photo: John Quirke.Image 5 of 5
Joan Duignan getting ready to descend Tara Mines for a feature report. Photo: Carol LeeThis week marks the tenth anniversary of the death of our former Meath Chronicle colleague Joan Duignan over the October bank holiday weekend of 2012, at the age of 59.
The Navan native joined the Meath Chronicle as a reporter in May 1978 and was to spend the next three decades covering the political and community events of the county, as well as contributing to the national media on issues of local significance, particularly at election time.
She had widespread interests in culture, history, sport, and languages, and a passion for friendships.
Friends remember her as a free thinker, thoughtful, multilingual, analytical, but with strong views on tolerance. She held many strong views, but these were her views and never sought to impose them on anyone else.
Joan could argue her points, forcibly, but leave room for reply.
She preferred to read original texts, whether in English, French, Italian, or Spanish, and was more than capable in these languages.
Joan is remembered as fun and a good friend, who had a wry take on personalities and events, with friends dating back to secondary school, through university and through her long career in journalism. - JD