AS FOUNDING EDITOR and proprietor of Magill, Vincent Browne gave the current affairs magazine its personality. Even when he was not working as its editor, to most readers Magill was still his magazine.

When Magill first published in 1977, Browne was already a remarkably polarising figure. Ask journalists who worked with him ‘What was he like?’ and the replies are dramatically different. The words range from contrarian to charming, with many expletives in between.

Original founding member Vincent Browne(R) with Michael O Doherty(C) and Managing Editor John Ryan at the relaunch of Magill Magazine in 1997. Joey Cleary / Photocall Ireland/RollingNews.ie Joey Cleary / Photocall Ireland/RollingNews.ie / Photocall Ireland/RollingNews.ie

Setting aside the office politics, however, Browne showed himself to be an extraordinary figure in Irish journalism. He was a talented story-getter and editor. He also displayed the rare quality in a journalist of being a consistent business risk-taker and start-up entrepreneur.

In these endeavours, he shook up the staid Irish media market. He failed more than he succeeded in business, whereas it could be said that in his journalism he succeeded more than he failed.

Sunday Tribune and Magill magazine editor Vincent Browne with Paddy Prenderville(R). Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

Browne’s magazine disrupted the established journalism scene. In the economically bleak 1980s, it created jobs when the alternative for many was emigration. It also gave a chance to young journalists, irrespective of their gender or class.

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