Hi Ian, we have lots of lovely memories to share with you, from BASI courses to your daughters’ achievements. I remember when you became the first Irish BASI 1 – I think I was doing grade 2 at the time. Later on, Graziano and I had a lovely time at your home in Dalkey when Tamsen was still tiny and you’d just got the news that you and Jane were expecting Kirsten. You showed Graziano and me around the TV studios, explained how everything worked and pointed out all the stars in the canteen (unfortunately, being English and Italian, we had little idea who the Irish stars were!). We also went to the ballet and out for a lovely meal in Dublin. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it to the wedding when you married Jane and then didn’t see you again for quite a while. When Kirsten competed in the World Champs we met up for a ski together in Aprica (and Kirsten won another cup during training). Ashley still remembers his amazing crash that day when he broke his goggles. We had lunch together at a mountain restaurant with another member of the Irish team. You and the family stayed just outside Santa Caterina in a little hotel we found for you as it was quite a hike from Aprica each day. Our family (Graziano, Wendy, Kirsten, Alison and Ashley) came to see you there too. Some years later, our Kirsten came to stay with you in Ireland and had a wonderful time with your Kirsten. We haven’t been back to Ireland since. We were planning a trip a few years ago but then the pandemic spoiled our plans. I have to trace my Irish ancestors yet so a trip to Avoca is definitely on the cards.
- Wendy Dunn Ruffoni