The late Packie Logan Well-known and respected Dungannon journalist and sportsman PJ (Packie) Logan passed away at the age of 85. Father of UTV sports presenter Adrian Logan, Packie was a lifelong Dungannon man and lived at Union Place. Packie served as a mentor to some of the top writers in the province in a career which took him into his 70s. A founder director of the Tyrone Democrat newspaper, Packie also worked with Observer Newspapers and the Ulster Herald. When he retired in his early 70s Packie was the managing editor at the Demorcrat and a director. He was buried at Carland Road Cemetery following a well attended Requiem Mass in St Patrick's Church, Dungannon. The mass was attended by a large number of sports writers and broadcasters. Among the mourners were UTV's Paul Clarke and Fearghal McKinney and the BBC's Jackie Fullerton and Rod Nawn. High ranking GAA officials also paid their respects, including Tyrone manager Mickey Harte and a number of players. A number of other sports were also represented. In his homily Fr Lawrence Boyle paid tribute to Packie as a man who was good to work for because he made demands of people but was fair to all. Packie, he said, was fair to all sections of the community and wanted people to grow in understanding. As a parent and a businessman Packie was a teacher, Fr Boyle said, directing and guiding those looking to him. He went on to say Packie would want those he had left behind to keep building on what he had given them. Fr Boyle said of Packie, "He was a man of presence and his presence was a source of inspiration." Packie's journalistic career spanned some of the most turbulent times in our history and his work was well respected both at home and abroad. Many writers who served under Packie went on the excel in their chosen profession and during his time Packie used his influence well. Packie was also well respected and successful in the sporting field with his passion for cycling and athletics. He founded Dungannon Wheelers in the 1950s and under his guidance they won four consecutive 25-mile All-Ireland Time Trials. Packie also founded the Tour de Tyrone, modelled on the Tour de France. He was a lifelong member of the National Athletic association and was its lifetime Honourary Secretary. He managed the Ulster teams which competed in the 50s and 60s. A superb organiser, Packie also had a great faith in the young people he worked with. In his youth Packie was a talented high jumper and off the athletic track impressed as an ice skater. His sporting enthusiasm also extended to Gaelic Football and he was a former playing member of Dungannon Thomas Clarkes. Beyond sport his interests were purely family oriented and he was a man of tremendous stature. Courtesy of the Tyrone Times August 2003 Tweet

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