Mullooly discusses future of RTÉ and of midlands region at launch of book

Former RTÉ midlands correspondent Ciaran Mullooly told the large gathering for the Athlone launch of latest book, ‘The Future is Now’, many of his memories of 25 years of broadcasting.

The launch was supported by Athlone Town FC captain Laurie Ryan and Westmeath GAA player Ray Connellan, at The Bounty Bar .

Gerard Tiernan, fundraiser with Pieta House in Athlone, was also a guest, along with Marty Morrissey of RTÉ. The guest were presented as a panel on the night, and Ciaran interviewed them, and praised their achievements.

Ciaran retired from the state broadcaster two years ago and in that time he wrote his new book, ‘The Future is Now’, about his experiences and perceptions. It contains essays about subjects such as Alzheimer’s, Pure Mule, Michael Collins, Turf Wars and What Really Happened in RTÉ. Local events of the past few years such as the Lough Funshinagh flooding and the closure of army barracks, post offices and ATMs are also featured.

“I couldn’t have done my job without the support of the people and I also got a great opportunity to cover sport and Ray and me will remember the night Páidí Ó Sé brought the cup back to Mullingar after winning the Leinster (2004), which was a brilliant occasion,” said Ciaran. He also joked with some of the gathering about the day of the AC Milan, Athlone soccer match in 1975.

“I wasn’t here the day Trapattoni arrived on the bus here for the great occasion and got muck on his shoes,” he said.

He talked about the devastation of the closing of the Bord na Mona peat harvesting businesses and the two power stations in Shannonbridge and Lanesborough. “They were told that decarbonisation would be done in a phased basis, but a just transition became about 20 months, so all of a sudden, the future was now,” said Ciaran.

He said he looks forward to the future, to where the country and region are going and to see what is happening in terms of community locally.

“It’s great to see so many people here tonight in The Bounty,” he said. “It’s eight years since the last book, (Back to the Future), when Robbie Henshaw launched it. Tonight is not just a book launch, but a night to say goodbye. But it’s the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.”

Pieta House and Darkness Into Light personnel also took part in the event. “During my 25 years as midlands correspondent, the incidence of suicide was going up and the river is a great attraction in Athlone town, but it also had a negative focus with suicide,” he said. “Paddy Kenny and his committee in Kiltoom had a plan to put a Pieta House in the town where people could go and get assistance.

“They raised over €120,000 and Alkermes supported it, and we all made a huge effort, and it opened on Sean Costello Street and is saving lives every night of the week.”

Ciaran had invited Pieta House personnel into his previous book launch eight years ago because he knew they needed ongoing funds. “Every time I did a launch, Pieta House came along,” he said.

He commented about the ongoing RTÉ payments saga and said that a strong RTÉ is needed into the future.

“I’ve never been more of that belief, because I’ve seen great programmes like RTÉ Investigates, and despite everything that has gone on, and a lot was wrong and changes have to be made, we do need a strong RTÉ on air and to be run properly.

“I look forward to seeing that happen over the coming years. They are often criticised, but they have a good team of people there.”

Ciaran also paid tribute to his wife. “Angela said to me you might retire and get to know your family before they go to college,” he said to laughter from the gathering. “I’d like to publicly acknowledge Angela and the fantastic support of all my family.”

Angela and Ciaran have two sons, Bryan and Eoghan.

A donation from each book sale on the night went to Pieta House.