A public relations chief who “would have made a terrific newspaper editor” has died suddenly aged 52.

Tributes have been paid to Kevin Mulhern, who has been described as having a “reputation of trust” with local journalists in Northern Ireland.

Kevin, left, was head of communications and external affairs at Queen’s University, Belfast, for 12 years between 2004 and 2016.

More recently he worked for Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

Journalist Keith Baker told the Belfast Telegraph: “Kevin was a great operator with a great brain, who was always a step ahead. He would have made a terrific newspaper editor.

“He liked journalists, he could spot a good story and he knew which journalists would do it justice. He built up a e with the local media.

“He was lured from Queen’s by Grahams, the local construction company, before moving to the Northern Ireland Social Care Council. Kevin was a consummate professional who threw his heart and soul into everything he did.

“He was great fun to be around and he will be a great loss to everyone who knew him, especially to his wife, Ciara, and the family.”

Kevin died last week at his home in Crossgar, County Down.