Jimmy Boal, former general manager of the Newtownards Chronicle, died suddenly in hospital on Tuesday, February 17. Born in Newtownards on May 11, 1942, he retired in 2007 after almost 50 years with the newspaper.

Boal began his career at the Chronicle in 1958 following his senior certificate at Newtownards Technical College. He started a printing apprenticeship the next year and initially delivered printing jobs by bicycle.

During his apprenticeship, Boal worked with journeymen Wesley McClements and Gordon Orr on a Heidelberg press using hot metal printing methods. He was a member of the Typographical Association.

Boal recalled the time-intensive processes, such as processing photographs taking 10 to 15 minutes and printing the Chronicle after the Newtownards Spectator, which ran until 11:30pm.

Over his career, printing transitioned to computerisation, with typesetters becoming graphic artists. By retirement, Boal was general manager of Spectator Newspapers, owners of the Chronicle and County Down Spectator.

Boal was married to Nan, with daughter Lynda and grandchildren Harry and Emily. A private burial occurred at Movilla Cemetery on February 24, followed by a thanksgiving service at St Clarke & Son funeral home.