Aengus Fanning was a giant of an editor; a consummate newspaperman whose love of journalism and of the printed word underpinned his phenomenally successful stewardship of the Sunday Independent.
Newspapers were in the family, and journalism was in Aengus’s blood. He had a marvellous, unerring instinct for a story and a fearless conviction that the public – his beloved readers – had the right to be informed.
He always described himself to me as a ‘commercial editor’ and it’s true, he had an innate understanding of the business side of a newspaper. He took a fanatical interest in the vital statistics of circulation and readership, revelling in particular in the Sunday Independent‘s million-plus readership during his time at the helm.
On a personal level, it was impossible not to warm to Aengus Fanning. He had that rare ability to light up a room when he walked in, exuding charm and charisma, and his many and varied interests – music, sport, story-telling – made him the most wonderful company.
Aengus will be missed by colleague and competitor alike; he was one of a kind and Irish journalism may never see his like again.
Our thoughts on this sad day are with Aengus’s wife Anne and their three sons, Dion, Evan and Stephen.
Frank Cullen
National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI)
