Tragic mag editor Barry 'very special'

FORMER editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines Barry Mcllheney was a leader who was also "joyously rock 'n' roll and punk rock", a memorial heard yesterday.

- BY JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE

The service at St Mark's in Dundela, East Belfast, allowed former friends and colleagues to celebrate the life of the journalist, broadcaster and publisher, who also launched Heat magazine.

Mr Mcllheney, below, who was originally from the city, passed away in May at the age of 65.