Proinsias MacAonghusa
Dies at 70
The former RTÉ broadcaster and chairman of Bord na Gaeilge, Proinsias Mac Aonghusa, has died in Dublin. He was 70.
Proinsias Mac Aonghusa was born in Salthill in Galway in 1933, and grew up in Rosmuck.
He was educated at St Ignatius College, Galway, before going on to the Abbey School of Acting in Dublin.
His career in broadcasting began in in 1952 when he started working for Radio Éireann.
By the '60s, he was working in television for RTÉ, UTV and the BBC.
He finished his RTÉ career as Editor of the long-running current affairs programme, Féach.
Throughout his career he was also a regular contributor to a range of national newspapers and the author of many books on politics and history, in both Irish and English.
Proinsias Mac Aonghusa ran unsuccessfully for the Dáil on two occasions: first as a Labour Party candidate in Louth in 1965 and subsequently as an Independent candidate in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown in 1969.
He was briefly vice-Chairman of the Labour Party.
He also served as Chairman of Bord na Gaeilge, and was a member of the Arts Council.
He was married to Ms Justice Catherine Mc Guinness; they had three children.
Bob Collins, Director-General of RTÉ, said this efternoon that Proinsias was 'one of the most significant broadcasters in Irish on both media. His flagship programme Iris was innovative, imaginative and way ahead of its time.'
Cathal Goan, Director-General designate, added, 'I was delighted at the opportunity to produce a profile of Proinsias's extensive work a number of years ago. He set the standard for Irish language broadcasting - one which has not been surpassed.'
His colleagues in RTÉ wish to extend their sympathy to Catherine, to his children, his extended family and his many friends.
Fágann sé follús nach furasta é a líonadh.
