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Dublin Mourns the Loss of Poet and Broadcaster Pat Ingoldsby at 82
Dublin is in mourning following the death of Pat Ingoldsby, the beloved poet and broadcaster, who passed away at the age of 82 in a nursing home in Clontarf. Ingoldsby, born in Malahide on August 25th, 1942, leaves behind a legacy of whimsical poetry, engaging children’s television programs, and a memorable presence on the streets of Dublin. His siblings, Michael, Dayo, Ann, and Brigid, confirmed his passing earlier today, marking the end of an era for Irish arts and culture.
Pat Ingoldsby’s journey was one of artistic exploration and a deep connection to the people of Dublin. Before becoming a celebrated figure in Irish media, Ingoldsby initially worked as an insurance clerk. Though, his passion for words soon led him to a career as a radio DJ in the late 1960s, setting the stage for his later success as a playwright, poet, and television personality.
From Radio Waves to Children’s TV: A Versatile Career
Ingoldsby’s early foray into the world of radio ignited his creative spark, leading him to write plays for radio and stage. He became known for his captivating performances of his own poems in venues across Ireland and England, while also contributing columns to various Irish newspapers. His popularity soared in the 1980s with his children’s TV shows, Pat’s Pals
, Pat’s Hat
, and Pat’s Chart
, which charmed young audiences with their playful humor and imaginative storytelling.
These shows became a staple for many Irish children, remembered for their gentle humor and Ingoldsby’s warm, engaging presence. They offered a refreshing choice to more mainstream children’s programming, emphasizing creativity and imagination.
In the early 1990s, Ingoldsby made the decision to retire from public life to fully dedicate himself to writing poetry and selling his books directly to the public on the streets of Dublin. This move solidified his status as a beloved local figure, connecting with people from all walks of life through his art. While his collections of poems were initially issued by various Irish publishers, he later established his own publishing house, Willow Publications, in 1994, giving him complete control over his creative output.
This decision to self-publish and sell his work directly was a testament to Ingoldsby’s self-reliant spirit and his desire to connect directly with his audience. It allowed him to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and maintain complete artistic control over his work.
A Life Reflected on Screen
In 2022, Ingoldsby’s life and work were celebrated in a critically acclaimed documentary, Being pat Ingoldsby
. Reflecting on his life that same year,he told The Irish Times that it had been full to the brim with beautiful,adrenalising,colourful incidents
.
The documentary offered a rare glimpse into the life and mind of this unique artist, exploring his creative process, his personal struggles, and his deep connection to the city of Dublin.
Throughout his life,Ingoldsby faced challenges,including polio-related paralysis in his left arm. In 2015, the after-effects of his illness forced him to retire from his regular spot on Dublin’s Westmoreland Street, where he had spent many years selling his books and engaging in amiable conversations with passersby.
Ingoldsby reflected on his life’s journey, stating, My life started with polio, and now it’s ending with polio because I’m in this situation where my legs have decided not to work any more. It’s great for them, but you can’t go anywhere if your bloody legs don’t work.
He also spoke about the pressures he faced as a young man to pursue a conventional career, saying he took a job to please his father. but the futility of doing something to keep someone else happy. And then they die. You can’t live your life like that. But it did not occur to me that there might be another way to live.
Ingoldsby told journalist Tara Brady that he went on the run
and traveled and worked around Britain before finding success with his poetry. He also openly discussed his struggles with mental health as a younger person and credited Gestalt Therapy with helping him break free from those cycles.
Tributes Pour In
News of Ingoldsby’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from prominent figures in Irish society.taoiseach Micheál Martin described Ingoldsby as beloved across generations
. In a post on X, Martin stated that Ingoldsby will be sorely missed. Pat’s unique humour, observations on his native Dublin, and work on children’s TV enchanted young and old.My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
President Michael D. Higgins also issued a statement, recognizing Ingoldsby’s unique and particular, but incredibly inclusive
contribution to Irish society. He added, Ignoring the advice of his poem A Message for When I’m Gone, I think it is indeed critically important to recognize pat Ingoldsby on behalf of the generations of children and adults too who benefited from the incredibly wide ways that pat introduced them to poetry, verse and humour.
Higgins also noted, So many people will have memories of discussing his work with him on Westmoreland Street in Dublin. Pat is and will remain in the memory of those across all ages who enjoyed his poetry, drama and performance. may I express my sympathies to Pat’s family,friends and all those who so enjoyed his work.
Broadcaster Joe Duffy, who worked with Ingoldsby in Arks advertising in 1975, remembered him as a creative force, then on the Gay Byrne radio program. He was a once off,a truly unique poet,writer and broadcaster.
Sinn Fein leader Mary lou McDonald also paid tribute, describing Ingoldsby as having a sublime talent
and a playful sense of humour.
She quoted his words: My poems just want to dance. If you ever come upon them, I hope you will enjoy a merry jig.
McDonald concluded, My heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family, friends, and all who loved him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Musician and broadcaster Fiachra O’Braonain recalled Ingoldsby’s kindness and encouragement
to him and his bandmates in the Hothouse flowers when they were busking in Grafton Street in the 1980s.
playwright Martina collender expressed her sorrow on Facebook, stating that her heart was torn to pieces
following Ingoldsby’s death. He was a pure hero of mine, with a heart of gold bursting with talent. He saw the world in a way we should all aspire to see it.he was a splendid man and I’ll miss him terribly. A bed of heaven to him.
the Malahide Past Society also expressed their condolences, noting their sadness at the passing of the poet who was born in the area.
A Final Verse
In a poem from 2009 titled I Thought You Died Years Ago
, Ingoldsby wrote that if dying was good enough for Johnny Cash it’ll do me
. Pat Ingoldsby’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through his words, his art, and the countless lives he touched with his unique viewpoint and unwavering spirit.
Dublin Bids Farewell to a Literary Legend: An In-Depth Look at the Life and legacy of Pat Ingoldsby
Did you know that a seemingly simple act of selling poetry on the streets of Dublin transformed Pat Ingoldsby from a relatively unknown figure into a beloved cultural icon? This interview delves into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of this remarkable Irish poet, broadcaster, and children’s entertainer.
Interviewer: Dr. Aoife O’Malley, Senior editor, world-today-news.com
Expert: Professor Liam Ó Briain, renowned scholar of Irish literature and media.
Interviewer: professor Ó Briain, pat Ingoldsby’s passing has left a palpable void in the Irish cultural landscape. Can you help our readers understand the breadth and depth of his contributions?
Professor Ó Briain: Absolutely. Pat Ingoldsby’s impact transcended the typical boundaries of a poet or broadcaster. He was a truly multifaceted artist, a storyteller in the truest sense, captivating audiences of all ages thru his whimsical verse, engaging children’s television programs, and his remarkably approachable, folksy presence on the streets of Dublin. His ability to connect with people—children and adults alike—through the accessibility of his works and the genuine warmth of his personality is what made him so unique. Understanding ingoldsby requires appreciating his versatility: from radio DJ to playwright, from children’s television presenter to self-published author, each facet added to the beautifully chaotic tapestry of his artistic life.
Interviewer: His children’s television shows are
Dublin’s Beloved Bard: unpacking teh Enduring legacy of Pat Ingoldsby
Did you know that a seemingly simple act of selling poetry on the streets of Dublin transformed Pat Ingoldsby from a relatively unknown figure into a beloved cultural icon? This interview delves into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of this remarkable Irish poet,broadcaster,and children’s entertainer.
Interviewer: Dr.Aoife O’Malley, Senior Editor, world-today-news.com
Expert: Professor Liam Ó Briain, renowned scholar of Irish literature and media.
Interviewer: Professor Ó Briain, Pat Ingoldsby’s passing has left a palpable void in the Irish cultural landscape. Can you help our readers understand the breadth and depth of his contributions?
Professor Ó Briain: Absolutely. Pat Ingoldsby’s impact transcended the typical boundaries of a poet or broadcaster. He was a truly multifaceted artist, a storyteller in the truest sense, captivating audiences of all ages through his whimsical verse, engaging children’s television programs, and his remarkably approachable, folksy presence on the streets of Dublin. His ability to connect with people—children and adults alike—through the accessibility of his works and the genuine warmth of his personality is what made him so unique. Understanding Ingoldsby requires appreciating his versatility: from radio DJ to playwright, from children’s television presenter to self-published author, each facet added to the beautifully chaotic tapestry of his artistic life. his contributions to Irish culture are immeasurable,spanning multiple generations.
Interviewer: His children’s television shows are fondly remembered by many. Can you elaborate on their meaning and lasting impact on Irish children’s programming?
Professor Ó Briain: Yes, Pat’s Pals, Pat’s Hat, and Pat’s Chart weren’t just children’s shows; they were cultural touchstones. They offered a refreshing alternative to more mainstream programming, emphasizing creativity, inventiveness, and a gentle humor that resonated deeply with young viewers. Ingoldsby’s warm and engaging on-screen persona fostered a connection with children that extended beyond the television screen. These shows helped shape the childhoods of many Irish children,instilling a love for storytelling and whimsicality that continues to impact their lives today. His approach to children’s entertainment is still relevant and serves as a model for creators today who prioritize fostering creativity.
Interviewer: Ingoldsby famously chose to self-publish and sell his books directly to the public. What was the significance of this unconventional approach to his career?
Professor Ó Briain: Ingoldsby’s decision to self-publish and sell directly to the public was a bold statement of artistic independence. Bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers, he maintained complete creative control over his work and cultivated a direct connection with his readers. This act of self-reliant publishing transformed his public image. He became a recognizable figure on the streets of Dublin, fostering a deep connection between the artist and his audience, a relationship rare in today’s publishing landscape. This unconventional approach illustrates the power of direct engagement as a publishing and sales strategy which many modern creators emulating.
Interviewer: Ingoldsby’s life wasn’t without its challenges. How did these experiences shape his art and his persona?
Professor Ó Briain: Ingoldsby’s life, marked by polio and its lasting effects, alongside his reflections on the pressures of societal expectations, deeply informed his work.His poetry and public persona reflect both resilience and a profound awareness of life’s complexities.He openly discussed his struggles with mental health, showcasing a vulnerability that made him incredibly relatable and further strengthened his connection with his audience. His experiences underscore the importance of self-acceptance and open dialogue on personal struggles, which are aspects of human understanding are especially impactful in today’s society.
Interviewer: What aspects of Pat Ingoldsby’s legacy do you beleive will resonate most strongly with future generations?
Professor Ó Briain: I believe several key aspects of Ingoldsby’s legacy will endure. Firstly, his whimsical and accessible poetry will continue to charm readers of all ages. His unique voice, marked by its playful humor and insightful observations, remains timeless. Secondly, his commitment to artistic independence and direct engagement with his audience serves as an inspiring example for creative individuals. Thirdly, his openness about his challenges, revealing the person behind the art, highlights a depth of empathy and vulnerability that fosters connection and understanding. In essence, Pat Ingoldsby’s legacy extends beyond his artistic accomplishments; it’s a testament to the power of human connection, creative independence, and the enduring spirit of the Irish cultural landscape.
Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Ó Briain, for shedding light on the life and legacy of pat Ingoldsby. This insightful discussion allows for a deeper appreciation of his lasting contributions to Irish culture.
Concluding thought: Pat Ingoldsby’s story is a testament to the power of artistic expression, personal resilience, and the enduring connection between an artist and their audience. Share your memories and reflections on Pat Ingoldsby’s legacy in the comments below.