Remembering Gerry Fitzgerald: Former image editor ‘shaped press photography across generations’ – The Irish News

For all of the technical proficiency a photographer should possess, there’s one talent that separates the perfect – the flexibility to be in the suitable place on the proper time, to seize the proper shot.

Gerry Fitzgerald demonstrated that in a celebrated profession as a part of the Belfast press pack.

And it was his outstanding snap of an escaped lion that prompted panic after happening a run from a circus in 1977 that cemented his status.

The lion, named Monarch and regarded extraordinarily harmful by his trainers, went free on the Shore Road, prompting an alert to remain indoors as police trailed him via again streets.

Tranquiliser darts did not cease him, and it was a veteran coach armed with a chair and stick that managed to maintain him at bay whereas a makeshift cage was constructed round him.

Gerry was on the spot and within the few pictures he was capable of get away, managed to immortalise the dramatic scene on movie for readers of the Belfast Telegraph that day.

He would later serve for a few years because the paper’s image editor and cross on his appreciable expertise and expertise to a brand new technology of photographers working at the moment.

Brought up in Turf Lodge in west Belfast, one in every of a household of three boys and two ladies, Gerry had an curiosity in images from early on and attended the Art College in York Street.

After struggling to search out work within the arts sector in Dublin, he took a job again in Belfast as a information photographer with the Pacemaker company, setting him on the course for a protracted and illustrious profession.

It was the early Nineteen Seventies and the worst years of the Troubles, when journalists – and photographers particularly – had been on the entrance line, responding at a second’s discover to the newest bomb, taking pictures or riot.

After some freelance work for the Daily Mail, Gerry joined the Belfast Telegraph and he would cowl a few of the darkest days of the violence, however was additionally eager to challenge optimistic photographs of his dwelling metropolis.

Personal highlights of his profession included photographing the Pope, Bill Clinton and Michael Jackson.

His son David, a sports activities photographer primarily based in Dublin, stated he hoped his work helped individuals.

“I work as a photographer now but back then it was true photojournalism – it was only way people saw what happened, there was nothing fake, and he thought his photography could make a difference.

“He told me photographers from America and Europe would come to Belfast and depict it as a third world country. He wanted to show both sides and he provided photographs one time for an exhibition in the Ulster Museum where he wanted the place he grew up in to look good.”

Among colleagues, Gerry was unfailingly sort and beneficiant.

“He was a great person to be around, always happy and cheering people up and encouraging people,” stated David.

“He was a real team player.”

Gerry was married for 52 years to Margo, whom he had met at a dance on the Mandela Hall. They had three kids collectively and in his spare time he indulged an curiosity in Manchester United and the music of Rory Gallagher, utilizing his knack for being in the suitable place to be within the Nou Camp in Barcelona in 1999 for the Red Devils’ dramatic late European Cup victory to finish a well-known treble of trophies that 12 months.

He retired from work on the age of 60 after being identified with pulmonary fibrosis, and surpassed expectations by residing till the age of 72.

“As a family we’re so proud of how he handled the disease and became an advocate for sufferers,” David stated.

“There is no cure unless you get a lung transplant, which is very hard to get, and on average people only last five years.

“Dad managed 13 and it was great for us to see how strong he was as he faced illness and how was able to help others.

“He did TV interviews and was part of a support group. We are immensely proud of all that he did.”

Among many tributes, Press Photographers Ireland expressed sympathy to Gerry’s household and stated he did “outstanding work through the worst years of the Troubles”.

The NI Press Photographers Association stated he was a “hugely respected figure within Northern Ireland journalism and played an important role in shaping press photography across generations”.

“Many photographers who worked alongside Gerry will remember not only his editorial skill and experience, but also his encouragement, humour, and friendship in often demanding newsroom environments. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Gerry’s family, friends, and former colleagues at this difficult time.”

Gerry Fitzgerald died on May 18. Devoted husband of Margo, he was proud father of Conor, Garrett and David, father-in-law of Sue, grandfather of Simone and Robyn, and brother of Patrick, Margaret, Marie and Sean.

** The Irish News publishes a number of readers’ obituaries every Saturday. Families or associates are invited to ship in accounts of anybody they really feel has made a contribution to their neighborhood or just led an fascinating or notable life. Call Aeneas Bonner on 028 9040 8360 or e-mail [email protected].