We have lost a moral titan
Sir -- As an ordinary, appreciative reader of the Sunday Independent, for so many years, I'd like to express sincere regret at the passing of editor, Aengus Fanning. His hard, dedicated work and his professional expertise and wise care, ensured that our nation enjoyed, and benefited, from a great Irish paper every Sunday.
Sean O Cuinn,
Blackrock, Co Dublin
Sir -- As a former contributor to the Sunday Independent, I wish to express my condolences on the death of its editor, Aengus Fanning.
Aengus was a visionary who never lost sight of the moral aspirations of middle Ireland. This was obvious in the courageous way he defended Irish democracy from violent nationalism. It was obvious in the way he ripped through the politically correct pretensions of the liberal elite. It was obvious in the way he cultivated and promoted journalists driven by moral clarity. It was obvious in the way he was forever fostering a sense of traditional community values.
At a personal level, it was obvious in his sense of style. During my three years writing for this newspaper, the editor would regularly send me a hand-written note expressing support and encouragement. It was a gesture full of grace for which I shall always be grateful.
It is not often that we can say with sincerity that "he did the State some service". Today, we can shout it from the hilltops. For we have not only lost a great editor, but a moral titan whose contribution to this country is simply incalculable.
Dr Mark Dooley,
Killiney, Dublin
Sir -- I wish to extend my condolences and sympathy to the family of Sunday Independent editor Aengus Fanning. I certainly didn't agree with everything that was written and said in the Sunday Independent over the years, but it cannot be denied that the Sunday Independent under the stewardship of Aengus Fanning was never afraid to be controversial and say things, no matter how unpopular they were, and we need more people to say controversial things, no matter how unpopular they are, not less, and those of us who disagreed were always given the right of reply, either by letters to the editor, which I often did, or by having their own column the following week, and I wish to thank you for often publishing my letters. Aengus Fanning, rest in peace.
Pol O CionsalIgh,
Seantrabh, Baile Atha Cliath 9
Sir -- I want to express my condolences on the passing of Aengus Fanning. I did not know him, but I supported a few of his articles, and had contact with him once online in relation to a support letter which was published.
He seemed a very nice and considerate man from that fleeting contact I had with him. May he rest in peace; he will be missed.
Pierce Martin,
Celbridge, Co Kildare
Sir -- An irreplaceable, universally admired editor, endowed with the gift of wisdom and foresight. May he rest in peace.
Niall Ginty,
Killester, Dublin 5
Sir -- My sympathies to all connected with Aengus Fanning. Ireland has suddenly become a darker place now that his light has been extinguished.
May he rest in peace.
Eddie Naughton,
The Coombe, Dublin 8
Sir -- Being in shock on hearing of the death of the esteemed, erudite, eccentric, humorous, sometimes "over the top" wonderful editor of the Sunday Independent, Aengus Fanning, I send genuine sympathy to all and feel sure he is smiling down from a more peaceful haven. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen Corrigan,
Cootehill, Co Cavan
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