People remember the founder of the Project Arts Centre, a trainer and director at Abbey Theatre, a producer at RTÉ, Arts Council director, Labour Party’s general secretary, arts minister Michael D Higgins’s advisor, and the director of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD). His brother, Art, described him as both a visionary and a realist, a dreamer and a doer. His wife, Muireann, expressed that he devoted all his strength and dedication, as an optimist and a public service enthusiast, to every task he took up. His perspective was apparent in various institutions in Ireland, according to Seán Ó Mordha.
His family upbringing was revealed by his sister, Máirín, who recounted how he was captivated by an English touring theatre troupe in Skerries, where they vacationed. Influencing his path to Dramsoc while at UCD, his love for theatre blossomed when he took part in musicals during his school days.
His time as the Dramsoc director, the foundation and management of the Project Arts Centre as an alternate venue for artists struggling for acknowledgement, his tenure as training coordinator and director under Lelia Doolan at the Abbey, and his stint at RTÉ as a producer, summarises his wide-ranging contribution. Known for his creative, punctual and inquisitive nature, he moved forward without carrying any bitterness despite polarising viewpoints at RTÉ.
As the first full-time Arts Council director, he had a significant role in founding Aosdána and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. Even though his time as the Labour’s general secretary was a bit frustrating, he later became an advisor to arts minister Michael D Higgins. Furthermore, his time as the NCAD director emphasised his belief in actively engaging with the public rather than operating within an artistic elite.
Interestingly, Irish crime author Jane Casey mentioned how she had spent a significant time not writing because she was focusing in the wrong direction.
This isn’t an impartial critique of the numerous facets and contributions he’s provided, but rather a comprehensive, heartfelt recognition of his myriad personal and professional skills.