A weekly newspaper editor has enjoyed the busiest week of his career – both inside and outside the office.

Ciaran O’Neill, editor of the Derry News, was in the hot seat for the paper’s historic coverage of the release of the Saville Inquiry report last Tuesday.

The eyes of the world were on Derry for the release of the report which looked into events of Bloody Sunday in 1972 when 13 people were shot dead by members of the parachute regiment during a banned march in the city.

The report stated that the shootings were unjustified and led to a public apology by Prime Minister David Cameron on behalf of the British government.

The paper produced a wraparound front page, pictured above, to mark the publication of the long-awaited report.

As well as overseeing his paper’s coverage, Ciaran also had a couple of important commitments outside the office.

He had to attend the Northern Ireland Press and Broadcast Awards in Belfast where the Derry News picked up the title of Weekly Newspaper of the Year award.

And if that wasn’t enough, his wife, Victoria, also gave birth to their third child. The baby boy has been named Oliver.

Ciaran admitted it had been a hectic few days. “I suppose the timing could have been a bit better,” he said.

“Oliver wasn’t due to arrive until the end of June so I was hoping the Saville report would have been released by the time he made an appearance.

“However, we have a small editorial team so there was no way I could take any time off when one of the biggest stories in the world was right on our doorstep.

He added: “Everyone pulled out the stops on the day the report was released and we’re all very proud of the paper we produced. Now, I hope to take a few days off to introduce myself to my new son.”

Comments

Steve Dyson (21/06/2010 17:02:01)
Fantastic editorial picture wrap. A collectors’ item for such an historic story.