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”
- Peter Macdonald