The world of local journalism is mourning the loss of a true luminary, a highly respected journalist whose words and stories have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Jackie McKeown, late of Newry, originally from Banbridge, passed away ‘suddenly at her residence’ on July 7.
Starting her career as an NCTJ trainee at the Croydon Advertiser, Jackie went on to freelance for the Sunday Mirror and London Evening Standard.
Throughout their illustrious career, Jackie held posts with Newsletter in Belfast where she served as a news Editor on a four-year tenure before taking up the role of Editor of the Newry Democrat in 2007.
An online death notice described her as the cherished mother of Ciara, dearly loved daughter of Rosa van Wijk and the late Alan McKeown, and much loved sister of Tara McKeown.
Jackie has also worked at the Sunday Life, and UTV’s Kelly Show.
Named as IPR Provincial Journalist of the Year during her time with Lisburn newspaper The Ulster Star, Jackie went on to hold positions with The Examiner in Crossmaglen.
Jackie’s remains will repose at her late residence on Wednesday July 12 and Thursday July 13, from 3pm – 9pm.
Her funeral cortège will leave her home on Friday at 10am to proceed by The Newry Democrat Office, Hill Street arriving at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Cloughreagh for 11am Requiem Mass.
Committal will take place in Dardistown Crematorium, Dublin at 2pm.
Bright colours to be worn by request, no black clothing.
The online death notice concluded that Jackie is “highly regarded within the world of journalism as a writer and sub editor at (amongst others) the Croydon Advertiser, Newry Democrat, Crossmaglen Examiner, Belfast Telegraph, Irish Independent, Irish Daily Star, Irish Daily Mail, and The Mirror; her untimely passing will be mourned by her many friends and colleagues across Belfast, Dublin, London, and beyond”.
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