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.

A special thanks goes out to Charles Crockatt for the time and energy he expended on designing and working on 'The Ranelagh Arts Shop'. It simply wouldn't have happened without him. He was ably assisted by two top class 'decorators', William Harvey and Kenny Worn. Artist Brian Henderson took time off from work on his forthcoming exhibition to 'hang' the shop front signs.

Discussions between Ranelagh Arts Festival and Shelbourne Developments about the viability of having an 'Art Quarter' in the heart of Ranelagh Village have commenced. It is to be hoped that a number of spaces for studios will become available in the not too distant future.