For Nollaig na mBan [Women’s Christmas & Feast of the Epiphany] this Friday, RTE Lyric FM are broadcasting “Georgie’s Vision”, the first ever documentary about the extraordinary, and overlooked Mrs. WB Yeats. Hear Olwen Fouéré channel George’s voices; Pat Laffan as WB Yeats; the recently deceased John Montague (RIP) share his first-hand memories of his friend and supporter George; Caitriona Yeats on her grandmother; Benedictine Monk Mark Patrick Hederman on why he is bowled over by George; and biographer Ann Saddlemyer on her subject, who she knew personally. Oh, and the insightful Margaret Mills Harper. Narrated by Ali White. All hail George Yeats on Nollaig na mBan! 7pm, RTE Lyric FM, Friday January 6th
And after last month’s sad passing of poet John Montague, who generously shared his important first-hand memories of George, who was a personal friend and supporter when he was a fledgeling young poet, we would like to hail him too. Hopefully himself and George are raising a glass together now in the great beyond. If anyone is, it’s them. I feel incredibly privileged and honoured to have John’s contribution in the documentary, after interviewing him, and hanging out with himself and his wife Elizabeth Wassell in Nice last August. That was definitely a 2016 highlight for me, of the seriously inspiring variety. I am so glad that I went the extra mile to get to Nice. It was so worth it. I hope 2017 continues in the same spirit of carpe deum, and inspiring, serendipitous encounters. Happy New Year all. Happy Nollaig na mBan.