The Late John Byrne The death took place in New York over the Christmas holidays of Mr John Byrne, the notable sports writer with the Irish Echo. Mr Byrne who celebrated his 90th birthday in September, died at a nursing home in the Bronx. He was originally from Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny. He emigrated to America in 1937 but he never lost touch with his native county. Mr Byrne travelled home regularly. More often than not his trips coincided with Kilkenny's appearances in All-Ireland senior hurling finals. He was a popular figure around the Kilkenny training camp at those times, and he got to know many of the players really well. He worked as a transport manager in New York, but journalism was always his first love. He was well-known among the Irish community in the city and for 40 years served as sports editor with the 'Echo. As late as December 10 his former colleagues at the 'Echo brought him to lunch at an old haunt, Rory Dolan's restaurant and pub in the Bronx. Among those present were Jack Thorton, former editor-in-chief, and columnists Joe Murphy and Frank Cull. He is survived by his sister, Eileen Meaney, Goresbridge, ten nephews and two nieces. Courtesy of the Kilkenny People 2nd January 2004 Tweet

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