Category: TV Career

Had many a laugh with Ian on Fair City (Ian directing and me vision mixing) Every week I’d ask where he was taking you Jane on “date night”!

• Your Name: Lorna Murray

I was a fellow producer with Ian in RTÉ. Our professional paths did not cross very often, but I always found Ian to be a friendly, curious and friendly colleague who always had time for a greeting and an exchange of pleasantries

• Your Name: Peter Feeney

Oh God, I didn’t know. Ian was always such a gentleman when I worked in RTE. We did many MANY Telly bingos together between maybe 2011 and 2019 (I could be wrong on exact dates) but he always came in to studio for a chinwag, sometimes we’d grab a coffee on the break. He told so many lovely stories about you and his lovely daughters; he is so so proud of all their achievements and I can honestly say he was as excited as a mother of the bride would normally be when Kirsty got engaged! I laughed so much at him, he didn’t care, he laughed too.
I also didn’t realise the calibre of his directorship until I told my uncle, who is also in TV, and he told me how highly regarded he is in the industry. A very humble man in that regard.
Will be thinking of you and Ian and your girls going forward, I’m so sorry to hear of his diagnosis.

• Your Name: Sarah-Jayne Tobin

Jesus Mary and Josef Jane ..
I am knocked to the floor here reading this saddest of posts.
It does’nt seem just .or possible that a SUPERB sportsman and a TERRIFFIC TV producer…
( I should know ..he was my director for Fifty squillon big RTE productions) …..should be left like this
I am truly saddend to hear this news and indeed for yourself and the two beautiful talented girls that he adores !
I feel this personally Jane… as the entire Mc Garry clan and I go back yonks .
Life is unspeakably cruel !!!
If there is ANYTHING you would like/ need me to do for
you / Ian ….let me know .

You …ALSO have to be * minded * now !!…
Sending you hugs …strength and love…💔⚘

• Your Name: Adele Condron-King

It is with great sadness that i read your txt about Ian, i have knowen him from the late 60’s when i joined Eamon Andrews studios in Henry St as a recording engineer. I have knowen him as a session drummer, etc up to TV Director.
He is the best at all he
put his hands to.
I wish you and all the family all the best in your present time,
I know how you feel as i too have just got a bad diagnosis after a short stay in hospital,
Vascular diamentia with a time limit 2/12
Year.
All i can say, keep faith
and love him all the way. 💜💜🙏

• Your Name: Fred Meijer

Ian will know me as Diane Bliss from PBS. From the very first Daniel O’Donnell show we shot in Killarney and over a dozen later Ian was always one of the calmest men on the set. As a former musician Ian studied each piece of music that would be in the PBS show and would know just when to plan a closeup on the guitar or other instrument. Daniel trusted Ian and he delivered! I am so blessed to have work with this talented man. Please give him a big hug from Diane Bliss Howard.

• Your Name: Diane Bliss Howard

I am heartbroken to read this Jane. And a bit in shock. Whenever we saw on the script Ian down as director we exhaled with relief. I remember asking Ian on EFP one day while shooting a scene, what was Jo my character going for? He very sweetly & politely said “ l do the pictures”. Ian is an Artist. He knitted it all together & knew exactly what he was going for and got it. No messing around, totally organised & a gentleman always. Thinking of you all and sending love 💕

• Your Name: Rachel Sarah Murphy

So sorry to hear this Jane I was always very fond of Ian and worked with him a lot in the entertainment department. Sadly I have no photos only fond memories. I’m sending love and light to you all. Also agree with many of the above comments about your bravery sharing this post ❤️❤️

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• Your Name: Fil Carson

So sad to hear this news Jane. Ian was one of the first Producers I worked with in RTÉ and he was always a great man for the new technology. The first person I knew to own a mobile phone even if it was the size of a brick and the battery needed a briefcase. A man of many talents who certainly knew how to make the most of his time and always encouraged others with ability. Big hugs to you both.🤗🤗😘😘

• Your Name: Carol Coffey

Dear Jane I am so sorry to hear that Ian is not well and our hearts and thoughts are with you both! My wife Marie-Hélène was very sad to hear the news of Ian as she taught him French in the Alliance Francaise for a few years! I first saw Ian when he was playing with Bluesville in the Stella house in Mount Merrion ! Upstairs was a disco but all the cool cats went downstairs to listen to Jazz and Blues ! The first time I worked with Ian as a sound recordist was in 1980 when he directed a series of music programmes featuring singers and bands of the day! One particular memory is of a programme he made with Tony Kenny which was filmed in the Liberties which is where tony was born ! One of the songs we filmed to playback was Tony singing the song The Dublin Saunter which was made famous by Noel Purcell ! Ian asked Noel to appear in the shot with Tony which was filmed in St Patrick’s Park ! This worked well until we had finished and Noel didn’t want to go home ! I always remember the kind , gentle and diplomatic manner that Ian dealt with the situation ! I went on to work with Ian over the next Forty years ! He is the most multi talented person that I have ever met in my life! But if it is possible his talent is surpassed by his serenity, calmness, kindness and professionalism He is the most gentlemen! Joe.

• Your Name: Joe Dolan