TRIBUTES have been paid to the staff photographer of the Fermanagh Herald, Gerry Knight, who has retired after 13 years with the paper.
Gerry joined the Herald on July 30, 2001, becoming the ‘face’ of the paper through his work across the county.
Previously, Gerry had worked as a staff photographer with the Tyrone Constitution.
In those thirteen years, Gerry has built relations with people in all walks of life – politicians, councillors, sports personalities, community groups, schools and business people.
Gerry has also snapped some of the most famous people in the world including US presidents, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Queen Elizabeth, Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister, and President Mary McAleese.
His pictures have reflected everyday life in Fermanagh, its people and its places and many of them were assembled for a special exhibition of Gerry’s work put on at Enniskillen Castle Museum in 2012.
A number of prominent Fermanagh people paid tribute to Gerry on the occasion of his retirement.
Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird, described Gerry as a ‘true gentleman’:
“From the first time I met Gerry Knight, I found him to be a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Always adopting a professional approach to his craft, he is also a gentleman. I wish him well in the future and an enjoyable retirement.”
Fr Brian D’Arcy, rector at The Graan, added: “We have always had a friendly banter about football, religion, photographry and life in general. Gerry is a most welcome guest here at The Graan on all occasions and will continue to be even though he has decided to retire from the Fermanagh Herald.
“Furthermore I look forward to meeting him in the future when I hope both of us will have even more time for chatting, and exchanging good stories.”
Michelle Gildernew, MP, said that she was ‘saddened’ to hear that Gerry was retiring.
“Gerry has always been a consummate professional, ensuring that those he photographs are relaxed and smiling. He has been there through many of my most memorable events, when he called at the Erne hospital to photograph me with my baby daughter Aoise – had he been five minutes earlier he’d have delivered her!
“I’d like to wish Gerry a long and happy retirement, I know how much of a family man he is, and he’ll be looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.”
Arlene Foster, MLA, added: “Gerry Knight is one of the most sincere and dedicated people I have met in my time as a public representative.
“Always courteous, always encouraging and never negative. I will miss him and his smiley face from the Herald, but I do hope he has a long and enjoyable retirement.”
And, summing up the man’s time at the paper, Fermanagh Herald editor, Maurice Kennedy, said Gerry would be badly missed in Belmore Street.
“Not only was Gerry talented, utterly professional and committed to the job, but what really sets him apart is his winning personality, his ready smile and his ability to get on with so many different people. For the past decade and more Gerry has been the face of the Herald and he has always done us proud. Gerry will be genuinely missed not only by all his colleagues but by the Fermanagh public who he would have dealt with over the years.”
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