John Downing: Mairead McGuinness fought and won many a hard battle – alas, Áras race was one challenge too far

John Downing: Mairead McGuinness fought and won many a hard battle – alas, Áras race was one challenge too far

Mairead McGuinness is as tough as old boots and she was often fiercely competitive in her work in both journalism and politics. But much of that was tempered by a kindness, and justified by drive, round-the-clock hard work, and undoubted ability.