Latest news with #Gaels
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
‘First-class' producer at BBC Scotland and promoter of Gaelic dies
Died: July 18, 2005 Neil Fraser, who has died aged 86, was a former head of BBC Radio Scotland and a seminal figure in the evolution of Gaelic broadcasting. He was widely respected for the high production standards he brought to all his work and the sense of ambition he encouraged in young colleagues. The former controller of BBC Scotland and lifelong friend, Pat Chalmers, paid tribute to him as 'a first-class programme maker'. He said: 'Neil was high-minded in the best sort of way. He believed in giving audiences what he thought they needed, which was not always what they said they wanted.' A notable broadcasting legacy in this vein was an epic series of 30 programmes on Scotland's Music by John Purser, which traced its history from Bronze Age to the present day with recordings commissioned including reconstructions of early music and works by many little-known composers. It is difficult to imagine such an undertaking today. One of Fraser's first acts when he took over at BBC Radio Scotland in 1987 was to ban music from the airwaves before 10.30am in order to establish a more serious news and current affairs profile. When he resigned after five years, he said it had 'become more difficult telling people you are reducing their resources and manpower'. While capable of great charm and diplomacy, there was also a steely determination, to deliver outcomes which matched his high standards, particularly where Gaelic was concerned. He navigated successfully through BBC politics and lived most of his life in Glasgow, while retaining a deep affinity with the society from which he came. Neil Fraser was born in Lochboisdale, South Uist. His father, Alexander, was a teacher and the family of his mother, Ina (née Maclennan) ran the Post Office. They were a piping family and although Neil did not play, his love of the music stayed with him throughout his life. When Neil was five, the family moved to Skye when his father was headmaster of Staffin School. He was Dux of Portree High School in 1955 and proceeded to Glasgow University to study maths. This was Gilmorehill's golden age, famed for debaters and budding politicians as well as notable Gaels. Neil flourished in this environment, played shinty and became president of the SRC, though his academic career was less distinguished. Read more 'He never gave up': tributes to patriarch of Scottish undertakers | The Herald Tributes to countess who modernised royal Scottish castle | The Herald Tributes to 'Mr Stirling': journalist dedicated to his home town | The Herald He took employment as a maths teacher in Glasgow but quickly discovered it was not his calling. Fred Macaulay was head of [[Gaelic]] at the BBC and rescued Neil from the chalkface by offering him a job. In 1973, he became the BBC's first [[Gaelic]] TV producer, making programmes across the spectrum from current affairs to light entertainment. The production standards and journalism in the Gaelic current affairs output of that era were exceptional while the twee formats associated with early Gaelic song programmes were transformed, bringing in traditional musicians who had never been seen or heard on the BBC. Neil moved into the English language mainstream as head of current affairs in 1978. Again, these were days of ambitious programmes from Queen Margaret Drive, with some outstanding journalists and broadcasters. Neil's own award-winners as producer included The Glorious Effect about the history of the great Highland bagpipe, and The Pinch based on the recovery of the Stone of Destiny. In 1983, in succession to Fred Macaulay, he became head of Gaelic. Disparity of treatment compared with Welsh was glaring and Neil had the long-term vision of moving towards a dedicated channel. Pat Chalmers recalls him as 'very persuasive' about the expansion of Gaelic content and he had another friend at court in Alasdair Milne who became the BBC's Director General in 1982 but fell out with Mrs Thatcher and was gone within five years. BBC Radio nan Gaidheal, launched in 1985, is a lasting memorial to Neil's influence during that window of opportunity, giving the language the status of having its own national broadcasting service for the first time. His last BBC job was as head of Radio Scotland with the challenging task of keeping multiple audiences reasonably happy, while entirely satisfying none. Every change met with resistance while the massive bureaucracy amidst a climate of cutbacks, after Milne was succeeded by John Birt, was not to Neil's taste. He left in 1992. Neil had fought Gaelic's corner tenaciously and used his extensive political connections to build support. He helped cultivate a succession of Tory Secretaries of State for Scotland who for their own, sometimes very personal, reasons were well disposed towards Gaelic. In 1992, Malcolm Rifkind provided a transformational Gaelic TV Fund worth £9.5million, £21m in today's money. In 1997, I became the first Minister for [[Gaelic]] in the Scottish Office and one of my objectives was to initiate a process which would lead to a [[Gaelic]] channel. I turned to Neil whose report, setting out the rationale, proved a crucial mechanism in moving the concept forward, though arguments about how it would be funded dragged on for far too long. Neil continued to be involved in ensuring the ultimate delivery of BBC Alba. Neil Fraser (Image: Contributed) After leaving the BBC, he took on roles which included leading a Gaelic media course at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye where he was greatly respected by students to whom he imparted unique experience and shared unfailing kindness and encouragement. He continued to make films for independent companies. One of these, about the folklorists John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw, led him to become a key member of the Canna Advisory Group which was dedicated to maintaining their priceless recordings. His love of piping was reflected through the John McFadyen Memorial Trust which he initiated along with Alasdair Milne and as a board member of the Silver Chanter in Dunvegan. In 1972, Neil married the distinguished singer, Anne Lorne Gillies. They parted in 1990. He is survived by their three children – Robbie, a film-maker; Rachel, a clinical psychologist; and Marsaili, who has worked for humanitarian NGOs at home and abroad; and by five grandchildren. BRIAN WILSON At The Herald, we carry obituaries of notable people from the worlds of business, politics, arts and sport but sometimes we miss people who have led extraordinary lives. That's where you come in. If you know someone who deserves an obituary, please consider telling us about their lives. Contact
Irish Examiner
19-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
The Menu: Summer snackers have 99 problems — but the cone ain't one
July is World Ice Cream Month and though it may amount to a gross dereliction of duty to bring it up this late in the month, it didn't feel appropriate until we finally began to experience something of the heatwave that has been boiling mainland Europe alive. Anyway, every month is Ice Cream Month for me. It is one of my most favourite foodstuffs of all, a nailed-on certainty for inclusion in my death row last supper, still very much in the reckoning were I to be restricted to a single dish. To my mind, there is no other dish in the world that so perfectly equates to joy, but I suspect it is an opinion universally shared, consciously or not, all traceable back to childhood memories when blissful, endless sunny summer days meant ice cream, and ice cream meant blissful, endless sunny summer days. Growing up, ageing and the gradual and inexorable accumulation of all the burdens that come with adulthood will eventually teach you that bliss, too, is finite. And, yet, I have no doubt every adult moved to buy a cold sweet ice cream on a hot sunny day is tapping into the most carefree version of their own inner child. A good ice cream, with the ideal combination of fats, sugars and flavouring, is a singular and unique eating experience, all down to the alchemy triggered by temperature, as the coldness of 'ice' encounters the 'cream'. (To test this, try to drink a cup of warm, melted ice cream without wincing in disgust at an excess of sugar never registered when it is frozen.) Like most Gaels, I was a 'soft-serve' child. Though parental overlords would occasionally spring for a block of HB, served up in slices between wafers, and never less than divine, nothing could beat the cone. Quivering with anticipation, hypnotised by the languid snaking swirl coiling down onto the top of the cone and then topped with various combos of sprinkles and syrups, and, depending on your credit rating, crowned with a chocolate Flake cocked at a jaunty angle to achieve the golden marque in 'cone world', the 99. After a few cursory licks, I'd bite off the end of the cone, suck ice cream down to the new opening and then set about it from both ends before it could melt. It wasn't until I began to travel abroad in my late teens that I discovered 'real' ice cream and gelato, made with a simple custard of eggs, cream, sugar and flavour, as opposed to the emulsifiers, stabilisers, artificial flavourings and other industrial additives that usually constitute mass-produced soft serve ice cream. This was a frozen ecstasy beyond mere joy; lush, rich, delicious and available in a multitude of wild and wonderful flavours beyond traditional vanilla (nonetheless, still my benchmark for perfection). At the final restaurant I worked in before ending my professional chefing career, I began in pastry, making ice cream two or three times a week, using a then-rare Italian ice cream maker to render my base custard as glacial gorgeousness. Working with food all day long meant I ate little or nothing, clocking in at a so-wistfully-recalled 11 stone — but I ate a bowl of my own ice cream every day. Even when promoted to sous chef and, eventually, head chef, I retained ice cream-making duties and, when the mood takes me, I'll still knock out a batch at home to this day. I have even made the 20-minute rapid DIY eggless recipe, combining milk, cream, sugar, golden syrup, milk powder and vanilla extract, in a sealed ziplock bag and then shaking it for ten or 15 minutes in a Tupperware box filled with ice and salt (salt keeps melting water below zero degrees to properly freeze the mix). And on certain hot, sunny, summer days, I'll still treat myself to a 99. TABLE TALK Supplementing their prestigious Young Chefs competition, Euro-Toques Ireland is launching a Rising Pastry Chef of the Year Competition 2025, presented by La Rousse Foods and judged by JR Ryall (Ballymaloe House), Paula Stakelum (Ashford Castle), Paul Kelly (The Merrion Hotel), Darren Hogarty (Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen), as well as Conor Halpenny (Square Dundalk), Gareth Mullins (Anantara The Marker), and Gráinne Mullins (Grá Chocolate). The very excellent Rare at the Blue Haven is hosting a special fundraising dinner (July 31) in support of UNICEF Ireland's Children of Gaza Appeal, with all proceeds on the night donated directly to UNICEF Ireland. Dingle Hub in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland is behind a temporary pop-up local fish market (July 25) in Holy Ground, Dingle, supplied by local boats, with former Global Village chef-proprietor turned food activist and consultant Martin Bealin leading the charge in the hope of creating a permanent outlet for hyper-local fish sales and supporting Dingle peninsula food networks. TODAY'S SPECIAL My Tasty Food's My Pecan Butter Though I occasionally eat them, nut butters rarely spring to mind when I'm in the mood for snacking, but, of late, My Pecan Butter from Myriam and Barry Quinn's My Tasty Food, based in Tipperary Town, is the only thing on my mind, full stop. A glorious combo of pecans, coconut oil, maple syrup, chia seed, vanilla, salt and cinnamon, this sweet, flavoursome and gently nutty spread makes for a quite delicious treat, even on something as simple as hot buttered toast, but it is when the experimentation begins that its true potential is unveiled. Halfway through making a batch of homemade vanilla ice cream, I was moved to empty an entire jar into the mix, creating my latest flavour, My Pecan Butter Swirl. I have no doubt others would like it too if I could ever be persuaded to share but, in the meantime, pour a spoonful or two over your own bowl of ice cream and let the joy begin. To be considered for inclusion, please email details of Irish food events and new Irish food products to
Extra.ie
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Ger Brennan linked with huge job after shock Louth exit
Ger Brennan's shock departure as Louth manager is the latest convulsion in a dramatic footballing summer – and could have ramifications for one of the biggest jobs in Irish sport. The Louth GAA community was reeling last night at the news that Brennan had departed following two years of a three-year agreement, and less than two months after he led the county to a historic Leinster title, their first in 68 years. Now, speculation is rampant that he will succeed Dessie Farrell as Dublin manager following the decision of the latter to walk away after six years in the job in the aftermath of their quarter-final loss to Tyrone on Saturday night. Dessie Farrell. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile However, despite the popularity of Brennan as a successor among many supporters, and also in the betting odds, it's understood that the process may not be as inevitable as is being flagged. There is significant support in Dublin football for Declan Darcy, who was Jim Gavin's right-hand man during the incomparable years of success in the 2010s. It is shaping up to be the most important managerial appointment in Dublin football in almost two decades, since Pat Gilroy was chosen and put in place the building blocks of the Gavin empire. Jim Gavin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile Brennan's departure from Louth was accompanied by a gushing tribute from the county board, who credited his 'absolute and unwavering' commitment to the county through his two years in charge. The statement also included a comment from Brennan, but no explanation for why he is leaving. Addressing the footballers who played under him, Brennan said what they had 'accomplished for the Gaels of County Louth will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come'. If it's a huge blow to an ambitious county who have been on an upward curve since the appointment of Mickey Harte, it's also one that may best be viewed in the context of the Dublin vacancy. And that is just one of the vacancies that could make the game even less predictable in the midst of the most memorable championship in decades. Mayo jettisoned Kevin McStay last week, with a growing clamour for Andy Moran to get that role. Pádraic Joyce vowed to take time reflecting on his next move after Galway failed to get past Meath, and Kieran McGeeney said he'd do likewise in the aftermath of Armagh's defeat by Kerry.
Irish Independent
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Enniscorthy's Mick Furlong was a great stalwart of the Wexford GAA community
His funeral mass took place on Tuesday, June 17 in St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy. A number of symbols representing his life were brought to the altar including his Seana Ghael award, his cap and comb, a packet of Werther's orginal sweets, and The Irish Independent newspaper. His son Eamonn then spoke about how despite being originally from Kilkenny, his father became an indispensable member of the local Enniscorthy community. "Dad transported many a young hurling and football team to GAA pitches all over the county. We had great neighbours and there was a great sense of community on our cul-de-sac.' "Dad took great pride in his family's achievements in all aspects of life. The impact he had our lives is immeasurable; he was a role model, a mentor, a friend – not only to his family but everyone gathered here today. Thank you dad, we love you and we will miss you every day,' he added. The Rapparees/Starlights club described him as one of their great clubmen and great Gaels, having been heavily involved in the club throughout his life. "A man with a passion for hurling and football along with administration, Mick, as he was known to all, was a mentor, trainer, healer, physio, doctor, advisor and at times a father figure to all the underage teams,' they said. "A constant, with his great pal Seamus Deegan, on the underage sidelines of this county for many many years, Mick and Seamus were the stalwarts of our club nursery on Saturday mornings where they passed on their love of the games to numerous generations of hurlers and footballers.' He passed his great love for sports down to his children Ronan and Eamonn who each played for the Rapparees/Starlights club for a number of years, with Ronan now acting as chairman for the Ladies Section and Eamonn becoming a much-respected county referee. His daughters Ailish, Mairead, Emer, and Finola also spent a considerable amount of time playing on the pitch before becoming the most ardent supporters during match days. ADVERTISEMENT Most of all, the club credits Michael for getting them to where they are today. "We would not be where we are today except for men like Mick Furlong who dedicated their love, their time, their expertise, their passion, their advice, and their tremendous volunteerism to generations of hurlers and footballers.' 'Their greatest gift to us as a club, and to the GAA in general, is the love of our games that they pass onto all those around them, particularly their families,' they added. Friends and family took to to leave messages about his friendly character and undisputable love for all things GAA. One mourner wrote: 'Will never forget all the craic we had travelling the country back 15 and 20 years ago to referee inter-county football matches, with Mick in the car as a faithful umpire. Will be forever grateful for all that help.' Another wrote: 'Mick was always a pleasure to meet and chat to. A genuine GAA man with a love of all things to do with our national games in all grades and ages.' A further tribute read: 'He was a true gentleman wonderful club man and a great Gael. Have great memories of him coaching and driving us all over the county when we were chaps. Always had a smile and loved having chats about all things GAA.' Pre-deceased by his loving wife Eileen, son Cathal and son-in-law Tony and dearly loved father of Ailish, Mairead, Ronan, Emer, Finola and Eamonn, he will be sadly missed by his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, adored grandchildren and great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, brother-in-law John Walsh, extended family, neighbours and his many friends including those in the wider GAA Community.
Irish Independent
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘Our long-held dream is now becoming reality' - Louth GAA officially launch new stadium build
Amongst those present were Lar Uachtaráin John Horan, who Chaired the Stadium Development Committee for the last number of years, Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway, David Rogers, Chief Executive of the successful project contractors, the Ganson Group, local TDs and councillors and Gaels from clubs throughout the county. Louth County Chairperson Sean McClean, described the evening as 'not just a significant occasion, but a defining moment in the story of Louth GAA'. 'This evening marks more than the launch of a stadium - it marks the beginning of a new chapter,' said Mr McClean addressing those in attendance. 'A chapter where vision meets action, where community spirit meets ambition, and where history meets its future. 'Our long-held dream is now becoming reality. For years, decades even, we in Louth GAA have depended on the generosity on our clubs and neighbours for the use of their grounds for our games. We have spoken about the need for a true home. A place that reflects the passion and potential of Louth GAA, a modern stadium that reflects who we are: a county rich in tradition, talent, and untapped potential. 'We've played our hearts out without a facility to match the fire in our bellies and yet, we've persevered. We've built teams, we've won hearts and now, with plans in motion, construction underway and community energy driving us forward, we are building a home. "The vision is finally becoming a reality. 'This new stadium is more than a structure of steel and stone. It is a symbol. A symbol of belief - belief in our players, our coaches, our youth, our supporters and our future. 'It is the beating heart of Louth's sporting dreams. It's where generations of players will rise, legends will be made, and young people will learn about teamwork, pride, and resilience. It's not just a place to play - it's a place to belong. Appointed contractors The County Chairperson confirmed that a Louth based company have been appointed to deliver the project. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "After a thorough and carefully considered process, we are proud to officially announce that local company, the Ganson Group, has been selected as the construction partner for Louth GAA in delivering our new state-of-the-art stadium,' said Mr McClean. "The Ganson Group, founded in 2004 by Paul McQuaid and David Rogers, has grown into one of Ireland's most respected and trusted construction firms. Many of you will undoubtedly recognise David's name - he has been a dedicated supporter and prominent figure within Louth GAA for many years, contributing both on and off the field to the local sporting community. 'His passion, commitment and leadership are reflected not only in his involvement with Louth GAA but also in the remarkable growth and success of the Ganson Group. 'Over the past two decades, the company has built an exceptional reputation for delivering projects of the highest quality across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, residential, commercial, and civil infrastructure. 'They are renowned for their ability to complete complex developments on time, within budget, and to the very highest standards - qualities that have earned them respect and recognition across the industry. 'We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Ganson Group on board for this project. With David, Paul and their experienced, professional team leading the way, we have every confidence that this partnership will deliver exceptional results. We look forward to working closely together and to achieving something truly special for our community.' Two Phase Project Ganson Group CEO David Rogers confirmed the stadium will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will begin on June 19 with a completion date by the end of September 2026. It will include the seated main stand and pitch, the entranceways, auxiliary buildings, floodlights with an initial capacity of 6000. Games can be played at the stadium at the completion of phase one. The second phase will see the standing terraces and training pitches built and the final capacity of the new stadium will be 14,000. The project is expected to cost 24 million euro. Depending on financing, with the importance of securing funding from the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) mentioned, Phase 2 will commence in November /December 2025. The precast frame for the main stand will commence in early July 2025 and be completed, including the ancillary block, by the end of October 2025. Prunty Pitches are confirmed to start on site on July 31 and will have the main pitch complete ready for the maintenance programme to commence in October 2025 'It's an honour' The current chairperson of St Kevin's GAC in Philipstown, Mr Rogers, when asked if it was a proud day as a Louth man to be leading the construction of the new county stadium said: 'It's an honour to be honest with you. To be allowed to do it is an honour. 'We do a lot of work all over the country, North and South and to do this project, it's a legacy we're going to leave behind us.' Considering where the county is on the pitch, a first Leinster Senior Football Championship title in 68 years, the U20s winning the Leinster crown for the first time in 44 years, the Minors getting to a Leinster final, the Ladies winning a Leinster title and the Hurlers winning Division 4 of the Allianz Hurling League, the timing for the Ganson Group, Mr Rogers acknowledged, couldn't have been better: 'Absolutely. It just works out well. Everything is going well on the field, the infrastructure is there [for the stadium] and we are going to get it built and it's the right time to build it.'
