Day: 21 April 2022

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Charlie McGettigan’s thoughts

Ian has always been a very encouraging force in my musical story. I remember back in the 1980s when my band Jargon appeared at the National Stadium where Ian was directing television series called ‘Festival Folk’ he brought me to the vision mixing studio to show me how he was editing the show. No one has ever brought me in there since. I found it so interesting. Ian has been in touch with me on Facebook over the years and always has something positive to say. at the risk of being profane I would have to mention Ian’s drumming. He was the coolest dude on the jazz and blues scene back in the day. Anyway profanity -‘Whats the similarity between a premature ejaculation and a drum solo?’answer ‘You know they’re both going to happen and there’s not a thing you can do about it.’ Get well soon Ian

  • Charlie McGettigan
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Ian , The Guy that gave us our Break

Hi Ian
It’s me Mike Nolan here you’re most favourite Irish member of Buck’s Fizz.
I have to tell you something Ian, I can remember like it was yesterday, when we had our first run through with our song ‘Makin’ your mind up’ and you came down to me and asked me what I thought, and I said to you , ‘the most important part is , when we sing ‘if you want to see some more’ I requested that everyone could see the skirts come off in a wide shot. That is how we won the Eurovision because of you and me ! As they say, in life, two great minds think alike. In are in my thoughts and prayers. Next time I’m in Dublin, we are going to have a Guinness.

  • Mike Nolan
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Ian . The ultimate cool dude .

Hi Ian
Maxi here. We’ve known each other since the days of Maxi Dick and Twink, Sheeba and indeed meeting at receptions and the supermarket.
Our most famous outing was when you directed the Eurovision in Dublin in 1981. I was with Sheeba and you were the boss- boss -boss, with Carolyn Fisher as your right-hand lady. What a great adventure that was.
There followed many happy appearances on light entertainment programmes and you continued to excel at everything you did. Often when I was driving into the complex on my way to present Rising Time at the break of dawn, I’d see you going into the building too, to prepare for another busy day. I learned a lot from your example.
I remember watching you carefully. Somewhere in my mind, I had a plan to develop my broadcasting skills, and you were the man to watch. You were meticulous, fully prepared at all times, and so gentle with the performers and crew. When there was an emergency your calmness and professionalism always won the day.
Thank you for your friendship, your example and the joy of your presence in my life.
God Bless you and your family.

Maxi

  • Maxi
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Proud to have been his PA!

Jane and family, I am so sorry to hear the sad news that Ian is unwell. I have so many good memories of working with him in Light Entertainment – particularly on the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest. He was unique in that he had been both a musician (great drummer, taught me a few basic fills!) and also a cameraman, so his ability as a studio director was second to none. He was a quiet perfectionist and extraordinarily hard-working, but a great team leader and you wanted to be the best help to him, particularly during the extreme stress of live productions which you knew were being seen around the world! I hope he knows how many friends and former colleagues are thinking of him with fond memories and great affection and wishing him well at this time

  • Carolyn Fisher
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Criminal minds

Some years ago I had the pleasure to meet you whilst ‘working’ on Crimecall. Unlike you, I wasn’t a TV professional and found the whole live TV thing somewhat intimidating. You were extremely generous with your time and advices. We mostly chatted music though, because that was better fun. I really enjoyed our chats and I recall those times very fondly. There was much talk of drumming 🙂 I’m grateful for your easy company and kindness.
I’ve seen the unfair and frustrating effects of aphasia up close and I’m sorry you’re having to go through it.
It’s terrible, but communication is so much more than words and I know that it doesn’t affect who you are.
I’m wishing you and your loved ones strength right now.
Keith White (Garda)

  • Keith
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First ompression

I met Ian while he was with Action and while i was starting out in the business I was in awh of his drumming and such a nice guy met and talked many times after that ! Lost contact until 1997 I was involved in the tops final in cork , snook a peek into control unit outside and low and behold who was producing was himself and he even remembered my name a true gent and proud to know you

  • Greg Donaghy