Ian and Gay
-
- Anne Geraghty
My good pal Ian
Well, where to start. I first met Ian on a BASI course and because I then went to live in Dublin during the Summer for a few years, I became familiar with his RTE work. I used to meet Ian for lunch at the RTE canteen quite regularly. As you can imaging the main topic of conversation was skiing. One day I turned up to meet him for lunch and was told that he was in the RTE Radio recording studios. I toddled over there just in time to meet Ian coming out of one of the studios with a musician. He introduced me to Don McLean. To this day, whenever a Don McLean song comes on the radio, I tell everybody that it’s “my mate Don” singing. Then along came Jane and very shortly afterwards, Tamsin & Kirsty. Ian and I worked as trainers on many BASI courses, sometimes assessing together. Whether it was in Scotland, France or Austria, Ian’s morning greeting was always the same “Top of the morning to you” (to be honest, before I heard Ian say it, I thought it was a bit of Irish folklore). On one course in Scotland many moons ago, Ian asked me if I’d “ever seen one of these”? He had an original Sony Walkman and I don’t think anybody on the course had ever seen one. It was huge by todays technological standards. Anyway, to finish, I would just like to say that, you would be hard pushed to find a nicer, kinder gentleman than Ian. Sláinte.
- Martin Rowe
The greatest drummer
Ian….I remember you and Peter Adaler when you both played in Bluesville. Might remember Maureen . Peter Do you remember the man I think he owned Sella House….his name was Davy Whitron he was a racing driver ,he came over from England & he lived in the corner house oppisite The Stella…If anyone needed anything for a gig would ” get a note”from Mr.Whitron.
The last time I spone to you Ian was in Jurys hotel in Ballsbridge you said to me anyone who didnt grow up with 60’s music were missing out.
My name is monica and i used to cut Colm Wilkinsons fringe in the No.5 club in Harcout Street . I have many happy memories as Know you have of the 60’s as I kbow you have, they were special times.
Also the spotlight magazine on the thrid floor of building in Grafton Street. Also I remember our Monday nights in the Television Club. Free passes aquired! . ❤🥁
- Monica Mc Nally/Teeling
Aimin’ High!
I am so sorry to hear of Ian being unwell and suffering from this apparently devastating illness. I have many memories, ranging from the time that Deke ‘O Brien and I recorded Ian’s trad jazz group, The Jazz Coasters, at The Merrion Inn to watching him play drums in Bluesville at Presentation College in Glasthule. Later when Ian directed Aimin’ High featuring Nightbus at RTE ( see pic) and even later as he often walked by my old house in Elton Park and exchanged greetings. ‘Morning Bones’ ,he would always say. Ian was one of a small group of mutual pals who always called me by this name. ( Ken Gillespie, Derek Peyton, Tony Baker (RIP) , Shay Healey (RIP), Andy Maher (RIP) and Brendan Balfe.
-
- Brendan ( Bones) Bonass
Gentleman of Carrigstown
In this Fair City Ian McGarry was a gentleman amongst the ruffians. His firm but gentle nature endeared him to cast and crew alike….. but if I had hear another word about skiing…. Well…. That’s another story.
I worked with Ian on many episodes of Fair City and I can quite honestly say that you won’t find a more well respected man in the halls or RTÉ.
- Stevie O Halloran
Wendy and Graziano : Bormio – Santa Caterina World Championships
Hi Ian, we have lots of lovely memories to share with you, from BASI courses to your daughters’ achievements. I remember when you became the first Irish BASI 1 – I think I was doing grade 2 at the time. Later on, Graziano and I had a lovely time at your home in Dalkey when Tamsen was still tiny and you’d just got the news that you and Jane were expecting Kirsten. You showed Graziano and me around the TV studios, explained how everything worked and pointed out all the stars in the canteen (unfortunately, being English and Italian, we had little idea who the Irish stars were!). We also went to the ballet and out for a lovely meal in Dublin. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it to the wedding when you married Jane and then didn’t see you again for quite a while. When Kirsten competed in the World Champs we met up for a ski together in Aprica (and Kirsten won another cup during training). Ashley still remembers his amazing crash that day when he broke his goggles. We had lunch together at a mountain restaurant with another member of the Irish team. You and the family stayed just outside Santa Caterina in a little hotel we found for you as it was quite a hike from Aprica each day. Our family (Graziano, Wendy, Kirsten, Alison and Ashley) came to see you there too. Some years later, our Kirsten came to stay with you in Ireland and had a wonderful time with your Kirsten. We haven’t been back to Ireland since. We were planning a trip a few years ago but then the pandemic spoiled our plans. I have to trace my Irish ancestors yet so a trip to Avoca is definitely on the cards.
- Wendy Dunn Ruffoni
Multi Talented
The multi talented Ian McGarry is not in good health . I first met Ian many years ago when he played with Bluesville in Stella House! I later worked with him on many projects in RTE! He was always the calmest , coolest , most professional director that you could hope to work with. I am attaching some pics that another good and very talented Friend ROY Esmond passed on to me!
-
- Joe Dolan
Music 🎶 Follower ,60,s Fan
Sorry you’re I’ll.
So sorry to hear your not well, Ian, a loyal follower of you with the Freshmen,,,Showband days and the many shows that you did for RTE,,,speedy recovery ❤️🩹 my Friend : Remember you playing Drums in the ARCADIA in CORK ☘️
- John Hartigan,,,,,Cork