Outgoing Holly Bough editor 'can take huge pride in its enduring popularity'

Wed, 20 Dec, 2023 - 15:41

Amy Power

WARM tributes have been paid to long-standing editor of the Holly Bough John Dolan following his decision to step down as editor of the iconic annual publication.

Mr Dolan has edited the Holly Bough for more than two decades, during which time it has enjoyed huge success.

Fiona Foley, the artist whose illustration is featured on the front cover of this year's Holly Bough pictured with John Dolan, Holly Bough editor. Picture: Dan Linehan

“The Holly Bough has been a big part of my life for 22 Christmases, and it has been such a privilege and pleasure to be the editor of this venerable Cork institution. It’s a unique and incredibly rewarding role,” Mr Dolan said.

“I want to thank everyone in The Echo and Examiner, and all the many contributors over many years, who have played a part in cementing its place as a traditional part of the Cork Christmas. It’s the result of a collaboration among every single department in the company.

Pictured at the printing of the 2005 Holly Bough in Academy Street were, from left: Des Quinn, Jim Hourihan, Padna Callaghan, Barry Philpott, Wendy Good and John Dolan. Picture: Brian Lougheed

“I want to wish my successor all the best in the role, and hope to be among the many contributors to the Holly Bough in the future!”

Editor of The Echo Gráinne McGuinness thanked Mr Dolan for his work on the Holly Bough over the years.

“This publication has been part of life in Cork since 1897.

“The fact that it remains so popular and important for 21st century Cork readers is a testament to John’s editing.

Pictured in 2004: Clockwise from bottom left, Maurice Gubbins, Donal Murphy, John Dolan, Ted Mellamphy, Der O'Mullane, and Vincent Kelly. Picture: Brian Lougheed

“When we launched this year’s Holly Bough in November, Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy said ‘Christmas just isn’t Christmas in Cork without the Holly Bough’.

“John can take huge pride in the Holly Bough’s enduring popularity and I know contributors and readers will us in thanking him for all he has done over the years.”

Pictured in 2003: John Dolan, Der O'Mullane, and Eddie Carey (right) Picture: Brian Lougheed

Expressing her thanks to Mr Dolan, managing director of the Irish Examiner and The Echo Karen O'Donoghue said the Holly Bough has gone “from strength to strength during John's editorship including; the addition of a glossy cover, developing the website, building a social media presence and the launch of Holly Bough podcasts”.

John Dolan presents late newspaper vendor Michael O'Regan with a framed copy of the Holly Bough 2016 front page, signed by comic book artist Will Sliney. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Lord Mayor also moved to congratulate Mr Dolan on his many years at the helm of the Holly Bough.

“One of the great things about John is he’s got an ear to the ground for picking up interesting stories.

Gráinne McGuinness, editor of The Echo, John Dolan, editor of the Holly Bough and features editor of The Echo, Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy and Fiona Foley, illustrator of this year's front cover, pictured at the launch of the 2023 Holly Bough. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

“I think there’s a massive interest in local history in the city and certainly over the last number of years John Dolan has been heavily involved in reigniting and developing that interest as well and that curiosity," he said.

Mr Dolan will remain on in his role as features editor of The Echo.

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