AddThis SmartLayers

Prolific writer and editor dies aged 94

A leading Northern Ireland journalist with over 60 years of service has died after a short illness aged 94.

Douglas Sloan, also known WD Sloan, was editor of the Portadown News from 1944 to 1973.

While there, he covered Portadown FC’s matches at Shamrock Park as well as the ups and downs of Portadown’s rugby and hockey clubs.

He was considered a prolific writer, with a career dating back to the late 1930s, during which he also worked for the News Letter, Belfast, the BBC and the Fermanagh Times.

After leaving the Portadown News’ editor’s chair he joined the Belfast Telegraph and also worked as a correspondent for press and media outlets in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Douglas was a prominent member of the National Union of Journalists and was secretary of the Mid-Ulster branch for many years.

In the wider community he belonged to the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce in Portadown and he co-founded the Portadown Philharmonic Society.

He was predeceased by his wife Isobel several years ago, is survived by his son Niall and daughter Eithne.

Niall played for Portadown FC, as well as enjoying a short term with Sheffield Wednesday, and is now a BBC journalist.

Douglas’ late brother Edward was also a journalist with the Belfast Telegraph and the Antrim Guardian.