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‘Legendary’ rugby and jazz writer dies at 87

A former rugby league correspondent and jazz music columnist at a regional daily has died aged 87.

Tributes have been paid to Jack McNamara, formerly of the Manchester Evening News, who was at the point of his retirement the longest-serving journalist covering one specialist sport.

Jack first began at the MEN when he moved to England from New Zealand in 1954 and remained there until retiring in 1990.

His friend and successor as rugby league correspondent at the paper, George Dowson, paid tribute to “a great and legendary journalist”.

George, who first met Jack while covering the sport for the Salford City Reporter, said: “I was always in awe of Jack. He was such a highly popular figure in rugby league circles. He was very well-known and he had a great reputation. Everyone trusted him from coaches down to players.

“He also had a very strong passion for jazz music and also wrote a fine column on this for the paper.

“As a rugby league reporter, he was up there with the best.

“I also regarded it as a great honour to have the opportunity to join the sports desk at the M.E.N. and to work alongside him.

“No-one could have been like Jack, he was very special and a great friend and colleague. He did so much to help promote the game.

“He was a pleasure to work with.”

Jack’s funeral is likely to be held early in the New Year.

He is survived by wife Pam, daughter Ann and grandson Jackson.