I first met Ian in the Bluesville days, when he played with Mick Molloy and Deke O’Brien, who were classmates of mine in CBC. I played with various groups, including The Inmates with Bren Bonass ( when I left Paul Brady joined..).
A few years later I was one of a number of guys who occasionally met for lunch in Jonathan’s on Grafton St.: Brendan Balfe, Peter Blake, Dermot Herbert, Andy Marr, Shay Healy and Ian. When I was “dragged away” skiing for the first time (to Livigno) in 1980, Ian lent me some ski gear: I still remember his gloves with Head written on them….!! After that trip it was all downhill for me…..ending up at the 1998 Olympics and four World Championships …..but only as team manager. ( “I cudda bin a contender !!!”…not !!!)….
Best wishes.
- John Barrett