Retired Irish Times journalist Michael O’Regan has been remembered as a “giant and a gentleman” following his sudden death. 

Mr O’Regan died suddenly in his Dublin home yesterday.  

The Kerry Native was political correspondent for The Irish Times since the 1980s until 2019.

Following his retirement, he remained an active contributor to the paper and was a regular voice on television and radio. 

Journalists and public figures across the country have paid tribute to Mr O’Regan, known for his honest observations and sharp wit. 

Michael O'Regan and former Newstalk presenter Ivan Yates: Image: Newstalk

Tanáiste Micheál Martin said he was “very saddened at the passing of Michael O’Regan”.. 

“An outstanding journalist, raconteur and man of integrity,” he wrote. 

“A political journalist for all of my Dáil career, Michael was engaging, objective, and great company. A Kerryman to his core, he will be sorely missed by all.” 

I'm very sorry to hear that Michael O'Regan has passed away

One of Ireland’s most accomplished and beloved journalists. He had a strong sense of integrity, fairness, wit and was a proud son of Kerry.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam https://t.co/0pmvUrtYzR pic.twitter.com/QqtqY0ak6q

— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) February 19, 2024

Education Minister Norma Foley described Mr O’Regan as a “consummate journalist”. 

“Well researched, well informed, fair, impartial, passionate and compassionate in equal measure,” she wrote. 

'Generous'

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris also praised Mr O’Regan, calling him a “gent”. 

“Professional, insightful, decent, fair, a lover of all things political,” he said. 

“He had a distinguished career and continued to share insights online & on air.” 

Virgin Media Political Correspondent and former Newstalk presenter Gavan Reilly called Mr O’Regan a “giant and a gentleman”. 

Michael was so generous with his time and advice to me and countless other journalists who’ve passed through Leinster House. On top of being wonderful company. RIP

Michael O’Regan, ‘generous, compassionate’ Irish Times journalist, dies at home in Dublinhttps://t.co/nQFc1r5yYV

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) February 19, 2024

Newstalk Political Correspondent Seán Defoe also praised Mr O’Regan’s support of other journalists: “Michael was so generous with his time and advice to me and countless other journalists who’ve passed through Leinster House, on top of being wonderful company.” 

Radio Kerry, where Mr O’Regan was a regular contributor, also paid tribute to its “friend”. 

“A giant of journalism, who reported on politics with wit, intelligence, and always with fairness and humanity,” it said. 

Michael O'Regan on RTÉ. Image: RTÉ.

“His great warmth was matched by the gravity he approached the many groundbreaking stories he covered over many decades.” 

Mr O’Regan graduated from the first national course in journalism at the College of Commerce in Rathmines in 1972.  

He worked with The Kerryman and The Corkman before joining The Irish Times in 1981.