Michael was a great supporter of and participant in the Ranelagh Arts Festival since its inception. He was a bundle of energy but more especially, a bundle of 'ideas'. Indeed Michael was an 'ideas man'. His love for Ranelagh and its environs was so obvious and he had a tremendous knowledge of its people and its history.

One consolation is that we have the wonderful photograph of him taken by Bridget Tiernan as part of The Ranelagh Heads exhibition in 2007. Last year (2008), Bridget filmed him as part of The Talking Heads mini-documentary. I'll always remember his memories about accompanying his father on a Tram through Rathmines and his memory of a mud splattered Paddy Coad bringing the F.A.I. Cup through the packed streets of Ranelagh shortly after the final whistle was blown in Dalymount.

He was a wonderful man and we will all miss him so much. We will never see his likes again..

Terry Connaughton, Artistic Director, Ranelagh Arts Festival.