John is a veteran Dublin journalist who has worked in senior editorial positions in national newspapers in Ireland for 40 years. He has been writing his weekly Ireland Calling column for the Irish Voice newspaper in New York since its foundation. The column now also appears on IrishCentral.
A graduate in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin, John started his career in the early 1970s in the Irish Press, where he worked in News and Features and was Assistant Editor of the paper for over ten years. He joined the Irish Independent group in 1987 and worked in News and News Analysis and as an editorial writer. He also worked as Features Editor and Supplements Editor, developing new sections for the paper like the Weekend magazine and starting the educational supplements which are now a regular part of Irish newspapers.
Now semi-retired, in recent years he has been Literary Editor of the Irish Independent. When his now adult children ask him why he doesn't write books he points out that his weekly Irish Voice column has been running for 29 years and that adds up to a small library!
The Final Report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland was worse than anybody expected.
"People don't want excuses, they don't want promises, they want jabs in their arms."
Is the ultimate Brexit deal any good for the Republic of Ireland?
There will be empty seats at the dinner table this year.
Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley has come under scrutiny for a recent tweet that glorified the IRA.
Joe Biden said "We’ve worked too long to get Ireland worked out" but we have much more to figure out!
After five weeks the Irish people are eager to mix with friends as restrictions are eased but the Government but decided how much and when.
The trailer for Wild Mountain Thyme makes Darby O'Gill and the Little People look like a serious drama.
The reaction in Ireland to Joe Biden's election has been jubilant, which is no surprise.
Before the official results are handed down, John Spain assesses what became the biggest issue of the election -- the way the Trump administration has handled Covid.
What brings tourists to Ireland over and over again?
This Irishman rescued 3 foxes and now they won’t leave his side
Ireland's little-known Mermaid Saint
An indulgent Guinness chocolate cake recipe
Coronavirus live updates: 70 deaths reported between NI and RoI today
Holocaust Remembrance Day: The only Irish citizen to die at Auschwitz
Genetic mapping reveals ancestry between Ireland and Scotland
Is Biden an Irish name?
Irish Traveller sisters provide fascinating insight into their lives on TikTok
Independent investigation to be launched into Northern Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes
American Irish Historical Society's NYC headquarters on the market for $52 million