The passing of Ian this week in July 2023 really got me thinking and reliving great days of fun, laughter and hard work. I never could understand how Ian could remain so calm when there were so much action going on all around, never phased or confused, Ian just got the job done.
I started to think about the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982 with The Duskey’s, representing Ireland with Here Today Gone Tomorrow, maybe not our most successful entry, but Ian managed to make it really special with a Visit to Dublin Zoo to film the prelim video to send out to the Eurovision networks. What a giggle, I look at it and smile. In fact, so many of the shows and commercials we filmed together make me smile. Working with Sandy Kelly on her brilliant TV series, amazing guests and Ian really stretched Sandy’s incredible vocals with the choices of some of the songs we choose together.
I have to mention a great trip to Nashville with Ian, Sandy Kelly and Kieran Cavanagh as part of the recording of The Showman’s Daughter, this trip led to Sandy’s opportunities to record with some of Country Music’s best, including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell, in fact a whole album of great duets. The TV show was a great success, all 26 episodes.
We filmed the videos and TV commercials for Sandy’s “Crazy” and “Sweet Dreams” in Malahide Castle, I learned so much sitting close to Ian and taking it all in. I never got in the way, did I? Just loved being a part of Ian’s creations.
We worked on some more Videos, Ballads, Shawn Conors and any opportunity to create video and television programmes.
We did great video’s for Frank McNamara and David Agnew’s album including TV commercials, same for John Hogan all with Ian in command as Producer/Director, always Ian, I wonder why?
So why not do our own series of TV shows. Celtic Note……….. Dubliners, Horslips, Paddy Reilly, Margo, Jim McCann all presented by Sandy Kelly and John McNicholl.
None of the above would have happened without the encouragement from Ian and his willingness to work with us.
For the experience, the fun, the education, Thanks Ian. For your help when I needed information and research, ask Ian McGarry, he knows……….. especially for friendship.
Can’t remember where the pics came from ( well my camera), date and time not so sure, but Ian and Jane look fabulous.
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- Shay Hennessy
