Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
LAST NIGHT, news came that journalist David Carr had collapsed and died in his beloved New York Times newsroom.
Uncompromising, relentless and a shrewd analyst of the changing face of journalism and the fortunes of the media in general, he was widely respected and came to prominence in the documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times in 2011.
He was especially generous with his advice and support to other journalists – something that one of our writers here at TheJournal.ie learned first hand.
In 2013, Carr came to Ireland to interview Vice CEO Shane Smith at the Web Summit. The two had previously had a blow-up which featured in the Page One documentary.
While Carr was in town, journalism MA student Amanda Connolly decided to write an opportune tweet to Carr. The Smith-Carr debate on stage went off without event on stage – but in the audience, Connolly decided to take her chances and tweet at Carr, who had been discussing the future of journalism.
She tweeted:
The hashtag in the tweet refers to a Carr quote.
And guess what ? It worked.
As Connolly wrote in edition.ie, the DIT news outlet where she was features editor at the time, she quickly received a call from a New York number and was invited by Carr to interview him in the private speakers’ lounge at the Summit.
She wrote:
I thanked him for his time and for actually taking heed of my initiative.“It’s a numbers game. There are about 20 requests here today that I didn’t respond to. I just picked one. It’s nice to be nice.” (said Carr)
And his advice to young people trying to make it in journalism? This is what Carr told Connolly:
Your time will come. What’s important is that you have those stories, you own those stories. I used to run weeklies and hire a lot of young people. If I was hiring now I wouldn’t really care that you went to DIT or that you got your Masters or that you’re an editor with a college paper, I would like to see what you made with your own hands.The fact that you’ve got stories that landed that were real, even though they didn’t end up where you wanted, those are yours, those are yours to keep and if you get enough of them pretty soon someone will hand you a megaphone and you’ll be able to shout out from a very high perch indeed; stay at it. I mean, my advice is remain patient but be impatient with your patience.
You know what, it’s a fine time to be looking, and it’s a fine time to be putting stuff out there. Sometimes you get a story and you might not work at some place that’s that important in the national narrative but if it’s important enough people will reach down and grab it and it will end up happening for you.
The upshot. Well, Amanda has been a valuable member of TheJournal.ie team since last year.
This is her final day for us as she embarks on a new stage of her journalism adventure with The Next Web in London. We wish her the very best – and thank David Carr for making the introduction.
A version of this piece was first published on 09 November 2013.
I’m far from a SF supporter, but I wish him the best in his retirement, and hopefully his health improves.
I certainly have no love for SF, but he was brilliant at negotiations. He was honest about his past and he brought the hardline of unionism closer to a peaceful understanding. He was a good statesman, showed respect for Britain, unionism and their Queen in recent years. I have a lot of time and respect for him as a man a politician, a republican and a nationalist (unlike greasily Adams). If I had grown up where he was from and as he did I probably could easily have followed a similar path at one stage.
He was and still is a good man.
Likewise, I would never vote for Sinn Fein, but I have warmed to Mc Guinness greatly over the years despite his past. However unlike his pathological liar of a boss, Martin freely admitted his past, and people respected him for it, whereas Adams is universally disliked outside of Republican circles. Get well soon Martin.
Lá suntasach ríméadach don tír seo.
Theip ar an bhfear seo a aidhm a bhaint amach trí sceimhlitheoireacht.
The honest part of the McGuiness/Adams leadership of a party I personally have little time for. Martin has shown what been a leader/ peacemaker means. Its a pity that the current leadership of the DUP appear not to.
That is an excellent summary of the man. Well said, Greg.
Diarmuid the Amadan
Sincere reply, appreciated I’m sure.
Well I am not afraid to say I vote for sf Martin is a remarkably man and so is Gerry adams to greats that have brought peace to the north of Ireland while ff fg Labour abandoned their people north of the country and deserted their people south of this island ff fg labour is a disgrace and I will never forget the hardship you brought onto this state and our people traitors is all I can say.
@Bobby Phelan: I’m a huge Sinn Féin supporter and I wish him well in his retirement.
Just doing an experiment on the reaction to posts beginning with ‘I’m not a SF fan but…’
I’m not a Sinn Fein fan by any means but there was a sense of honesty and honour about him.
@Bill Enright: LOL
@ Bill
Hilarious
Im not a sinn fein fan by any means either.
@Bill Enright: Let’s hope he gets to use his “honesty and honour” in front of a “truth and honesty” commission before he kicks the bucket.
@Mr Snuffleupagus: honesty and honour? from a man who either carried out/ordered/authorised murder and mayhem…get real.
It is the loyalists and the British that stand squarely in the way of any such commission, so put your smug righteousness to one side and see things as they really are.
I agree, along with FG and FF, the British government, loyalist parties etc. But I’m sure you would not mention the others of course.
Just as well the people of Derry didn’t have a yellow belly like you to protect them from the paramilitary B specials. I’d say your some role model in your circle
MaryLou. Quoting Mick Collins. Get real yourself.
@ Mary lou; which British PM are you referring to or would that just be all them. Right back to turn of the last centuary and before that.
@M Bowe: Yep the PM’s were just as bad, but that doesn’t make Mc Guinness any type of saint. He’s in the cesspit with them.
@MaryLou(ny)McDonald: But the RUC and Army had a shoot to kill policy aswell???
@Alois Irlmaier: Yes, utter s(umbags and killers, and he’s in the same league as them.
@MaryLou(ny)McDonald: How can a civilian who becomes what he becomes through personal experience be the same as those who are controlled by a government department. Only now you can say he is in the same league as them because of democratic elections?
A great man for peace and a great man for Ireland. Wishing and hoping he can overcome his heart condition
More honest than most about his past.
I hope his health improves
@P.J. Nolan: Just watched his interview on UTV. Great man who took brave risks for peace..I hope his health improves.
Like or loathe him you have to hand it to him he was very good
@Derek hutchings: his organisation were top of their game at shootings, bombings, kneecappings, extortion, bank robberies, making people disappear, yep, a lovely fella indeed.
And he was instrumental in persuading people to leave all that sh!t in the past which is exactly why he deserves a positive acknowledgment at the very least.
If you can’t comprehend that much then you’re not mature enough to understand what real change means.
You sad little troll you
He also stood side by side with his arch enemy and got peace in the north
Tiocfaidh ar la
None of that rubbish now John
My apologies it was directed at scundered , they seem to only see the bad in people
It should not be forgotten how astounding it was to see him work costructively with Ian Paisley and even form their Chuckle Brother partnership. Many of us said that could never happen. I’m so pleased to have been wrong.
Rubbish? Explain….
Loyalists were top actually. The British invaders were up there too. Forgot that I suppose?
@John: You’re confusing bad for reality, not my fault if you don’t know the difference. The truth hurts.
@Scundered: Actually I must apologise It was my fault for replying to a troll in the first place, lesson learned.
@John Loughlin: Ah the old “Everyone who disagrees with me is a troll” argument. Classy. Maybe you could discuss the points being made next time from a constructive point of view? Did I say anything that wasn’t true?
@Scundered: I must applaud your persistence lol, sad though. Enjoy the rest of your evening trolling though, I’ve to go, gotta life to get on with.
Best of luck to him. ..
Great day for this country.
We need to move on from the past, to further peace and healing between our communities.
The fewer Provos we have in power on this island the better.
How exactly do you move on from the past if they won’t even tell you where they buried your loved ones?
@Diarmuid:
I was gonna leave but if you’re making a comeback…
@ Neal; read Kenneth Bloomfied commissioner for the recovery of victims commission. He is on record as saying that without the help and assistance of former Republican combatants the recovery of 13 of those 15 victims would never have happened. A process under threat at minute because of FF and FG politicing but i hope it can continue until all are recovered.
Fair play Martin, a true statesman, from freedom fighter to a politician who will be looked at so well in our history
At one point in the future, statues will be built of men like him. Real heroes.
Gotta love people who get into politics as activists for their community, rather than the shower who get in because they’re replacing their Dad or to grovel in a greasy till.
The man does not look well. Hope his health is ok and he gets a rest for himself. I’m not political (well a bit) but regardless of my views, Mr McGuinness did his bit for peace process .
Well at least he’ll be able to sit back and enjoy watching Mrs Foster crumble in the election.I’ll enjoy watching it too…….hope he has a happy and healthy retirement
A great proud irish man. All the best on your health.
Good luck in your retirement Martin McGuiness, you are much more of a statesman than anyone we have in government at the moment.
A brave man who fought injustice all his life, enjoy your retirement Martin.
A good politition a lot better than the shower in the dail
Are you including Gerry and his crew in your analysis Thomas?
Thanks Marty.
Thanks Marty.
Don’t agree with his politics or his views but this man has left his influence on Ireland in a positive light. I hope he can enjoy his retirement. He deserves it.
Their would never have been a peace agreement if Martin McGuinness was not involved I wish him well .
Crowd in the dail are political pygmies compared to a giant like McGuinness.
Agreed. Whimpering little children in comparison to true great statesman like McGuiness & Adams.
How is Adams a statesman? Ffs. Please consider this when assigning that title: http://www.broadsheet.ie/2014/10/31/falls-memory-syndrome/
A Great Man
Great man best of luck to one of the greatest Irish person lucky to have had u watch the fg/DUP Brits on here go into over drive
Despite an intense dislike of SF in general, I always liked McGuinness, warts and all. I don’t know why but, sure, there you are. Anyway, I hope the guy gets better and he has made the right decision. One of the better politicians on this political quagmire of an island.
Same here, there’s an honesty about him. I wish him a full a speedy recovery.
Wishing him the best in his retirement this has to be a heartbreaking decision for a man that was so active in politics. Sincerely hope his health allows him to enjoy time with his family.
A real statesman.
Anyone remember that ignoramus during the Pat Kenny presidential election debate tell Martin he wasn’t really Irish? Thought Martin was going to break into OC Derry Brigade mode again lol.
A great Irish man……..
Remarkable how some people still bang on about membership of the IRA. Martin did time for membership. So he can freely state that. Should Gerry admit to something that carries a 5 yr sentence just to keep the o Brien press happy?
say what you like about his past, but respect to him for everything he’s done politically. Without people like Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland might still be like Gaza is today
A lot of repercussions over wasted £400 million or €450 million, the crown down here would waste that much before their breakfast.
Time will show that Martin was a great statesman and peacemaker. Hope he gets well soon to help with the unfinished work
Stark contrast between the way in which the Southern media reports on Messrs McGuinness and Adams.
Former generally gets quite positive coverage (and very positive coverage recently following his resignation), the latter more mixed.
I’d speculate that this is because Mr McGuinness admitted membership of the IRA while Mr Adams’ stance on this has been queried.
Any other/contradictory reason?
I certainly view Mr McGuinness more favourably, but I can hardly claim to be impartial when it comes to SF.
His admission regarding IRA membership elevates his status in my opinion. If Gerry had done the same SF would possibly be a much stronger party.
He is free to admit it since he has already been charged amd did time for it.
Never did enough time. The families of those who suffer because of his actions will suffer the rest of their lives.
@TellingItAsItIs:
And how many more would have suffered were it not for his actions? Blinkered, silly, tunnel vision from people like yourself does nobody any favours.
@Tir He brought suffering to so many. Totally inexcusable but unsurprising that people like yourself will never understand or even try because of your indoctrination. People matter more than anything.
@TellingItAsItIs:
“He brought suffering to so many.”
Do you not realise or accept who actually BROUGHT the suffering to the six counties? Did you expect people living under a boot to stay there? To sit back and take it?
“people like yourself will never understand”
People like me lived through it at first hand and understand it perfectly well.
“…or even try because of your indoctrination”
Drop the arrogant attitude. Be man enough to debate without debasing the discussion with condescending claptrap.
“People matter more than anything.”
Indeed. As does a people’s right to stand against oppression.
@Tír Eoghain Gael:
Here’s an interview on this evenings news that maybe you ought to watch. You could learn something about decency.
https://www.facebook.com/BBCNewsline/videos/1389969674368250/
He played God. He gave the orders. Innocent peel died. Nobody has the right to do that. Grow up. He never represented my Ireland. It’s pointless debating with individuals who condone that behaviour or excuse it in any way. Nothing excuses that behaviour….ever.
@TellingItAsItIs:
So you’re a pacifist?
Tír…I sure am…and I respect people lives and not have others decide the longevity of their lives.
Telling straight away I can tell your a blue shirt who just took over were the British left off were you think it’s fine for you to get a head in life but how dare the ordinary man or woman to aspire for the same now roll over and let DUP rub your belly for yea because at the end of the day that is what you are a Brit who would be happy to be governed by Westminster
@TellingItAsItIs:
More power to you for being a pacifist. I personally think in an ideal world, violence would not exist. Sadly though, this isn’t an ideal world. Where people are treated with violence, as far as I am concerned, they have a right to fight back with violence when no other options are left open to them.
@Tir The dictionary describes the opposite of passifist as warmonger or violent. I am a proud pacifist.
@David I am an Irishman whether you like it or not and I show no allegiance to any individuals who think that violence solves problems. Spare me the anger.
Dang spellcheck
David Clarke what are you on about “blue shirts”? That was the 1930s/40s that Sinn Fein collaborated with the nazis. Let it go. Times have moved on since then . We are talking about Martin McGuiness and the contribution he made in recent times.
@TellingItAsItIs:
The opposite of a pacifist is a warmonger? Cop yourself on you clown.
Tell me, what should have been the response to the Nazis, if not a violent one?
@Tir That’s more like it. Revert to the personal
Insults. Check your dictionary.
@TellingItAsItIs:
I’m resorting to personal insults? You’re claimed I was “indoctrined” because I hold a different opinion to you and are essentially calling me a warmonger ffs! How about you answer my previous question?
Take your Nazi analogy elsewhere please. You’re now just making yourself look silly. Ok, I’m away from this McGuinness love in.
@TellingItAsItIs:
Man up. If you have the courage of your conviction, then answer the question. No point calling yourself a pacifist if you are unable to withstand a basic question about you conviction. It’s not a silly question – as a pacifist, how do you believe the world should have reacted to Nazism, if not through violence?
The North wouldn’t have needed a peace process were it not for the terrorists (all sides).
I don’t see why anybody should be grateful to any of them that stop.
@justanothertaxpayer:
Hold on, it wouldn’t have needed a peace process if it weren’t for the conflict? STOP THE PRESS!!! Did you come up with that in depth analysis all by yourself?
It would not have needed a peace process if our country try wasn’t Geo Politically engineered by a foreign country, Period !
Greg what about the 60 70 80 when our own government sat back and left it to the ordinary man and woman to take the fight for equality and in a lot of cases were worst the the British if you can give me a yes or no answer if it was happening to you what happen to our people in the six countries would u sit on your hands and that goes to everyone who’s commenting about him a great man who didn’t ask for it but gave his life to fighting for equity and freedom God bless a true son of Ireland
@Tír Eoghain Gael: I didn’t say “conflict”… I said “terrorists”.
And the point was this outpouring of thanks to someone that was part of the criminality up there for not being a criminal anymore is hardly a republican way of looking at things.
@Shane Molloy: the British invaded 900 years ago.
Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t vote to join the UK but at what point was it “our” country?
Doesn’t matter what terminology you used to describe the protagonists, the point is there was about their conflict. It’s beyong stupid to say that wer it not for the protagonists in a conflict that there wouldn’t have been a peace process. No s**t sherlock ffs. The poont os there was a conflict and that conflict was complex as it was inevitable. Saying we wouldn’t need a peace proceas if it wasn’t for the conflict or ots protagonists is like being a Miss Universe contestant trotting out “worrrrrld peace” at the interview stage. Come back to the real world whenever you’re ready.
Apologies for the spelling above. I’m not much good with typing on a mobile phone.
@Tír Eoghain Gael: So you’re point is we should thank all those who stop killing and be grateful for their change of heart? Praise them as Republican Statesmen no less… despite all their actions to that point being deliberately designed to subvert the Republican State.
I can be grateful to John Hume for example, because he was never a proponent of the violence and worked tirelessly to secure peace – whereas McGuinness and co. were amongst the ones he was trying to stop.
You’ve just swallowed too much of the terrorist propaganda up there and think people that kill you for holding a different political belief are heroes.
@justanothertaxpayer: Justanothertaxpayer “at what point was it our country, the British invaded 900 years ago! How many countries do you think there were 900 years ago! Revisionists do tend to haul out this kind of quote, another being the “debate” among the 1916 leaders about whether to institute a monarchy or republic in the event of independence, how many republics were there in 1916, also that “debate” was an incredibly fringe opinion. Anachronistic as much as revisionist, both historically dubious and both prompted by current political opinion.
Tyrone… tell us all why you condone the bombing of innocent civilians by self appointed Provo terrorists.
Your inhumanity knows no bounds.
@Paul C Mitchell: I have no idea what point you are trying to make Paul.
Are you agreeing or disagreeing with me?
900 years ago, there was just a blob of land populated by tribes basically where the Irish State now stands. How far back should we go to determine what is “our” country? Is America their own country or Australia etc?
The number of pub-stools containing outraged punters for something that has never had any bearing on any of them would be pathetic, except some use it as a justification for bombing shopping centres and bars with people in them… and then expect us to be grateful to the people that stopped doing it.
Paddy Lions bla bla bla what you want him to do sit back and let them burn him and his neighbours out be treated like he was nothing unable to walk down the street without the sh.t been kicked out of them no hope of a proper job not allowed vote catch urself on at least we know what you’d do if it ever happens in the south again have you ever sat down with a person from Derry or Belfast or the whole of the six county’s and have them tell you what it was like and I’m not talking sf people
The embodiment of the Republican struggle. It was the conditions in the 6 counties which led to the Provisionals. What normal circumstances would have a paramilitary army in the most militarized zone in western Europe develop. Martin took on the fight in his native city Derry. Yet those in a bubble can pontificate yet they were never burnt out of their homes or set apon by the B Specials, UDR, UDA, UVF, RUC, British Army, Red Hand Commandos etc etc all the while the later politically and militarily backed by our neighbors across the water who just don’t get it. Leave this country be.
Looks like a man who is seriously ill.has aged 10 years in just a few short months
This man has more integrity then Adams. Fair well Martin
Thanks for everything you’ve done for Ireland
i wonder will he chance his arm and run for a Dáil seat like his pal Jerry in the Free State?
@Breas: hows nordie land doing? broke over the 400 million? snap
@Breas: If here is called the Free State with you then what does that mean about the 6 counties? Is it a bondage State, is it an enslaved State, is it a prison state or is it in a terrible state?
I am afraid that nothing is free here…
No surprise that Martin mcguiness stood down. He hasn’t being well for a time. I didn’t share his political views or vision but I had the utmost respect for him putting himself out and played a major roll in helping to bring investment into Northern Ireland and promoting peace and prosperity. Arlene foster should look herself in the mirror and stand back let the enquiry sort out the controversy that she is caught in. I wish Martin mcguiness and his family well god help them
He will now have plenty of time to think about his past crimes.
@Paddy Lions: It is not up to anyone to judge anyone but God, isn’t that not what you believe?
Good riddance.
So long Mel, have a good trip.
Becoming masters of spin, announce pay and then this to take attention away…..
If we had a leader down here with only half the honesty and negotiating skills McGuinness had, i doubt so many sectors would be at crisis point.
One of Irelands most influencial men. No doubt about it. Was an IRA leader when the people of Derry needed him, was a political leader and peacemaker when the people of Ireland needed him. Hope he makes a quick recovery. Michelle oNeill has been impressive & should get the role.
When your ill the last thing you need is stress or other peoples b…s….
No need for the push notification.
After 2016 I honestly thought he’d passed away… The Journal needs to take it handy with those bloody things…
This isn’t surprising. Hope he isn’t in a situation where he knows the worst about his health.
Martin McGuinness will be sadly missed, his integrity, commitment and the energy he brought to solve political problems is unmatched North or South.
I hope he makes a recovery, gets stronger for him and his family’s sake.
See ya!
It is heart warming and a huge tribute to the man Martin McGuinness is, that those opposed to his political views, the party he represents, and his past, can put it behind them and give the man the huge credit he is rightly due, here in the comments section. Fair play to all of you.
To those who have nothing good to say, it was better if you had said nothing. It is easy to see now who is genuine and who isn’t worth bothering about.
Some time in the future there will be a commemorate statue of Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley outside Stormont. They achieved for Northern Ireland something like what De Klerk and Mandela achieved for South Africa.
@Micheal S. O’ Ceilleachair: Ya, That’s a very good idea. wait a wee while longer
Honest man, unlike Gerry
I wonder was it Martin’s decision to utilise his illness as a political stunt versus the DUP, or were the SF Wise Ones in the back room seeking to leverage a resignation that unfortunately had to happen anyway.
It would have been more dignified that he resigned for health reasons and then separately and subsequently SF refused to provide an alternative candidate – keeping the Foster factor separate rather than using Martin’s illhealth for political gain
@alphanautica: So SF should’ve refused to provide an alternative candidate…and you’re implying that wouldn’t be for political gain?
@Guybrush Threepwood: That’s exactly what I didn’t say. The two events should not have been combined for political convenience.
@alphanautica: “It would have been more dignified that he resigned for health reasons and then separately and subsequently SF refused to provide an alternative candidate…using Martin’s illhealth for political gain”
Look like you did indeed imply it.
Has Arlene come out with her gracious comments yet?
Beannacht agus buìochas
I hope he retires to a nice quiet place in the Mourne Mountains, then they burn all the trees for cash for ash and they surround him with industrial wind turbines
A great proud irish man .all the best on your health .
have your say