Funeral Mass for late editor of Leinster Leader to be held in Kildare on Thursday

The funeral is taking place in Newbridge, Co Kildare on Thursday of the late editor of the Leinster Leader, Vicki Jones (née Weller).

Ms Jones is fondly remembered for her professionalism, warmth and lasting contribution to local journalism.

Late of Moorefield Drive, Newbridge, and formerly of Brownstown, The Curragh, Ms Jones passed away peacefully on March 14 at St. James’ Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She will be sadly missed by her husband and best friend Eltin, daughter Rebecca, son Laurence and their partners Steven and Rebecca, grandson Evan, mother-in-law Emily, brother Tony, sisters Mary and Geraldine, as well as her extended family, neighbours and friends.

Friends and former colleagues have been paying tribute to Ms Jones, a former editor of the Leinster Leader, where she was a highly regarded and popular figure among staff, readers and advertisers.

During her tenure, she played a significant role in shaping the newspaper and strengthening its connection with communities across Kildare.

She remained in the editor’s role until 1997, when she was succeeded by the late Michael Sheeran.

A graduate of University College Dublin with a degree in languages, Ms Jones also worked with the Kildare Nationalist and the Irish Independent/Evening Herald, then owned by Independent Newspapers PLC.

An experienced court and current affairs reporter, she was also well known for her weekly “Leader Profile” series in the Leinster Leader which featured interviews with local people and became a popular fixture in the paper.

Journalism ran in the family, as she followed in the footsteps of her father, the late Sam Weller, who also worked with the Leinster Leader. He was well known locally as a bookmaker and for his greyhound and horse racing columns, and was at one time a director of Newbridge Greyhound Stadium.

Beyond her journalism career, Ms Jones also authored a history of the KARE organisation.

Her husband, Eltin Jones, served as deputy principal of St Conleth’s Community College in Newbridge.

Requiem Mass will take place at St Conleth's Parish Church in Newbridge at 12 noon on Thursday followed by cremation at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin at 2.30pm. Both services will be live streamed.

The family has kindly asked that donations, if desired, be made to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Ireland - a patient-led voluntary group. 

Sympathies are extended to her family, neighbours and wide circle of friends.

May she rest in peace.