Michael O'Regan: Tributes paid to well-known Irish journalist

Michael O’Regan, former political correspondent for The Irish Times and radio and television star, passed away this weekend in his home in Dublin.

Originally from Kerry, O’Regan was a beloved political commentator online and he had his own weekly radio slot on Kerry Today called Call From The Dáil.

O’Regan was known for his sharpness and his friendly nature. He was also elected as the president of the Kerry Association in Dublin. The journalist's death has been met by great sadness in Irish politics and journalism.

He was known for his coverage of the famed Kerry Babies Tribunal in late 1984. He followed the case of and charges against Ms. Hayes and the killing of a newborn baby. From this research and coverage, O'Regan wrote and book entitled Dark Secrets which detailed the scandal in depth.

In 1972, O’Regan qualified for the first national course in journalism in the College of Commerce in Rathmines. He also worked with The Kerryman and The Corkman before he joined the Irish Times in 1981.

He eventually retired in 2019. Even in his retirement, O’Regan still contributed occasional articles and regularly appeared on television and radio, as well as continued his weekly radio column. In his death, O’Regan leaves behind his daughters as well as many grandchildren.

The Editor of The Irish Times Ruadhán Mac Cormaic said: “Michael was a generous colleague and a first-rate journalist who leaves behind a body of work that chronicles a country in flux. His coverage of the Kerry babies case was the work of a highly skilled reporter; his anger, recalling it many decades later, was that of a man of heart and compassion.

The Minister for Education, also hailing from Kerry, tweeted her condolences for O'Regans' passing saying, "it is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Michael O’Regan. RIP. Michael was the consummate journalist; well researched, well informed, fair, impartial, passionate and compassionate in equal measure."

It is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Michael O’Regan. RIP.
Michael was the consummate journalist; well researched, well informed, fair, impartial, passionate and compassionate in equal measure. pic.twitter.com/6mg4O3U5wN

— Norma Foley T.D (@NormaFoleyTD1) February 19, 2024

Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, also tweeted about how saddened he was to hear about O'Regans' death and that Ireland has lost an incredible journalist.

Very saddened at the passing of Michael O’Regan, an outstanding journalist, raconteur and man of integrity.

A political journalist for all of my Dáil career, Michael was engaging, objective, and great company.

A Kerryman to his core, he will be sorely missed by all. https://t.co/jqRHalnfUW

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 18, 2024

In recent times, O’Regan was diagnosed with cancer and wrote about his journey and treatment in an article for the Irish Times. Even with this illness his death was unexpected.