A Life in Words and Pictures
Posts realted to, and from, Ian’s friends and family.
I met Ian in 1981 while he was working on the Eurovision Song Contest. My Dad who worked in RTE said Ian McGarry is so talented. Years later im working in the Archives in RTE and thanks to Ian your shows are there for people to enjoy. RIP Ian and thank you for your legacy.
Oh Jane, I’m so sorry to hear that Ian has died. He was such a gentle, kind man, with so much more to live for, so very sad.
I’m so pleased you and Tam were with him, and good that Kirsty is also with you now.
Ian was immensely talented, and he achieved so much for you and the girls to be proud of. A lovely man, and a life well lived, for sure.
I don’t think I will be able to come to the service, but will be thinking of you, Tam and Kirsty over the coming days.
I am certain that you will meet again when the time comes, and in the meantime I pray that family, friends and memories will sustain you. God bless Ian, and all of you.
With love, Jenny and the rest of the Shutes xx
I’m so terribly sorry to learn of Ian’s passing . My deepest sympathies go out to Jane and the family . No words will ever be enough.
So many memories came flooding back when I read the notice. I have so much to be grateful to Ian for . He was the man who first pushed me to sing Hold Me Now in 1987. He was with me , advising and encouraging me throughout the contest . He believed in me when I didn’t . He was a wonderful musician, director and athlete but for me I will always think of him as my friend . I will remember his knowing looks, his laughter and his company .
I will miss you Ian.
Johnny Logan
Sean & Ailis Sherrard
MY DEAREST JANE, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AT THE LOSS OF YOUR BELOVED SOULMATE,THE VERY SPECIAL IAN. YOU WERE A LOVING WARRIOR FOR HIM THROUGHOUT HIS ILLNESS. MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR GIRLS. IAN WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED, HE WAS A RENAISSANCE MAN WITH A GREAT ZEST FOR LIFE XOX ANNE
Words that come to mind when I think of Ian are unpretentious, reliable, dedicated and generious. There was a time in the mid-90’s when I and others were engaged on creating a music event to bring focus on the plight of the Ogoni 19 incarcerated in Port Harcourt Prison. Their fate, for demonstrating on behalf of their people, was potentially death. International exposure was the only way to protect them.
We had a great lineup of performers who generiously gave of their for the event – but no one to pull the show together.
At the time, Ian was engaged on planning the direction of RTE’s production of the Eurovision in the Point Depot. I chanced calling him to ask his advice. His response … “How can I help?” – and how he helped.
He organised loads of equipment and a great team to coordinate all the technical stuff. The Music Centre took on the appearance of a mini Eurovision setting. Every time I approached him on the evening, he looked me straight in the eye and said … “can I help with anything?”. Utterly calm in the frenzy of activity.
One word summarises Ian’s spirit and attitude … ‘Cool”
Worked in Chatel as a ski instructor where we first met Ian, Jane and their family. Went on to become a BASI Trainer and worked alongside Ian on many BASI courses over the years.
Ian was a great man. Humble and talented. In all the years I’ve known Ian he only had good things to say about everyone, wonderful. His influence will live on through others. We will make some ski turns in his memory tomorrow on the glacier in Norway. Love to all his family.
So sorry to hear the sad news
Maura- National Lottery
A lovely man who will be sorely missed.
I am soooo very sorry to hear your sad news.
Sending you and the girls huge hugs and much love xxxx
Ian was a beautiful soul who sadly passed away last Sunday. I will always remember him with great memories of his time spent with us in Attymon on the farm. Looking back it must have been very hard for him to join his 9 cousins in Galway. But we loved to see him coming back every year until he reached his teens. We did indeed have a Donkey on the farm and Ian often had a go on his back. Ian was hugely successful in his work and we always looked on with pride at his ability and achievements. His Mom, Auntie Maureen and I went to a rehearsal In RTE that he recording and we met the fabulous Sandy Kelly. We went to see Ian in his home a couple of years back and even though he had Parkinson’s and Dementia his face lit up when he saw me. Thank you Jane for being there for him and caring for him during his illness. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
I never knew Ian but Mum always spoke fondly of him as our long distant cousin and as a musician myself, Mum always talked about his drumming days and working with the RTE. My mother Mary McGarry nee Scully and my great uncle Sean McGarry who played an historical role in the IRB 1916 rising (legend). The McGarrys in Dundrum and my nanna Sarah McGarry who passed in 2014. Please send our love and regards to Ian from his long distant relatives in Australia, Elva Scully, daughter of Mary McGarry and Paddy Scully. (Born in Dublin a place forever in our hearts) Least we forget x