Lionel Cowin a journalist of the old school

LIONEL COWIN A JOURNALIST OF THE OLD SCHOOL

I was very saddened to read of the death of Lionel Cowin former Editor of Isle of Man Newspapers but best remembered by me for his days at the IOM Courier when it was a self standing freesheet and considerably more bulky than it is these days.

Lionel was one of the old band of journalists in the mould of the late Harry Bregazzi and of course from the world of TV and Radio journalism Terry Cringle who I’m pleased to say is still ‘bounding’ around!

Lionel came in for some in my view unjustified criticisms from some in his later years as Editor of IOM Newspapers but then when were journalists popular or politicians or indeed in my case Trade Union officials.

Certainly in his day as Editor the TGWU and Trades Union Council always got fair coverage from the stable of papers he looked after.

However it is for his support in covering Celtic League and AMA items back in the late 70/80s in the Courier that I will most remember. Our campaign against the Jurby Sea Bombing Range proposed extension which was successful really took off (if you will forgive the pun) after Lionel ran a front page in the Courier with the title ‘ENEMY AIRCRAFT’ and a graphic of silhouettes of military aircraft myself and my late wife had distributed round the North of the Island. The piece reminded folk that low flying over the Isle of Man by military aircraft was prohibited.

Some years later after the League campaign to have the Calf of Man returned Lionel rang me on the day the handover ceremony was ongoing and seemed surprised when I said no League representative had been invited. I thought no more of it but in due course the Courier appeared again with a front page crediting the League.

Lionel also broke several stories about the shenanigans in the police when it was decidedly un PC to do such things on our little Island.

He was without a doubt a journalist of the old school who went after any story that made the Courier front page jump out - and it did!

My sympathy to his family and friends at this sad time.

Image: Lionel Cowin in later years in the press room at IOM Newspapers on Peel Road

Bernard Moffatt