MARTIN WHELAN - A TRIBUTE

On the eve of Martin Whelan's funeral crew-members from different companies gathered by a loading ramp outside an Irish theatre and spoke of shock, loss, respect and love. Similar thoughts echoed at every point on the touring map of Ireland. As news of his passing traversed the land one sensed that same land was a poorer place.

The glint in Martin Whelan's eye will linger after his untimely death. Cute as a fox, gentle as a lamb, sharp as a razor, soft as a child. Martin was all of these - a totally rounded, well adjusted contradiction.

Financially he could loose and find most people. Yet, there were few tales of woe. Martin was fair, he never took advantage. A generation of artists and emerging arts managers learned valuable lessons from the General Manager at Siamsa Tíre.

On a particular occasion a young, touring, Theatre Company was booked for a one-night-stand in Siamsa. The tour was not going well, morale was poor. Martin apologised, a prior dinner commitment would prevent him from attending the performance. It was one more nail in a troubled tour. After the show the get-out began. In swept Martin, throwing his dinner jacket aside, he was soon de-rigging, carrying, loading, leading the sweep-up and slagging. At 2.00am he bought everybody a pint. More than one person with the touring company had the equivalent of a master class in theatre management from Martin Whelan that night.

Martin led from the front (not that he'd let you know it!). His proud Kerry accent and ready smile would have a whole team of people doing worthwhile stuff before they realised they'd even started. Martin was a fantastic natural leader, he created the conditions for people to do things because they wanted to.

He made himself available to people all over Ireland with supportive telephone calls when needed and advice requested. He made touring companies feel welcome and radiated a sense that their visit was important. At conferences around the country he bought a refreshing blast of straight talking and common sense to jargon-packed debates. No wonder the sense of loss is nationwide.

Still, the epicentre of Martin's life was his beloved North Kerry, centering on a line running from Finuge to Siamsa Tíre. His closest family, friends and colleagues in the arts reside here. Martin and Siamsa are indivisible in memory. His love of the arts and those who craft them manifested itself in Siamsa, where he resolutely forged a link between artistry and good management to create a vibrant living theatre and centre for the arts.

Words offer a mere echo of Martin, his life now becomes a real legacy, the stuff of legend. To his family we extend our thanks for sharing an extraordinary man with us. Slán Martin, go n-Éirí an bothar leat!
TV Honan
Arts Council