Aonghus McAnally
Irish broadcaster, entertainer and billiards player From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aonghus McAnally (born 20 June 1955)[1] is an Irish radio and television producer and presenter, as well as an actor, musician, magician and billiards champion.[1][2] He worked on both sides of the mic and camera for public service broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ) for over 40 years, retiring in June 2020.[1][2]
Aonghas McAnally | |
|---|---|
| Born | 20 June 1955 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcaster, actor, musician, magician |
| Known for | Anything Goes The Lyrics Board |
| Website | AonghusMcAnally.com |
| External image | |
|---|---|
| McAnally on an RTÉ talk show |
Early life
Aonghus is one of four children born to Abbey Theatre actress Ronnie Masterson and screen actor Ray McAnally.[3][4] Film and television producer Conor McAnally is his only brother.[5]
Music
McAnally has been a guitarist[6] in a number of bands including Mushroom,[3][7][8] Maxband, Starband and Crackers/The Crack.[5] As a solo artist he released a novelty record I am Alergic to Christmas (written by fellow broadcaster Shay Healy) in 1981.[9]
A friend of singer-songwriter Christie Hennessy, McAnally delivered his eulogy at his funeral.[2] He created a touring show as tribute to Hennessy.[2][4][10]
Television
McAnally's first presenting work was on young people's programming, including Anything Goes,[1][3][11] young adult affairs show Borderline,[12] and magazine show Evening Extra.[13]
Moving away from youth programming, into light entertainment, McAnally presented The Big Top TV Show, a variety show based in a circus big top.
McAnally was the presenter of the first few season of the RTÉ One song lyrics game show The Lyrics Board.[1][3]
As a screen actor he had appearances on Wanderly Wagon in 1979[1][4][14] and a regular role in the Fir Bolg drama on TG4.
Radio
McAnally presented Both Sides Now, an interview series with members of the Irish diaspora.[15] He was a regular presenter of RTÉ Radio 1's Late Date.[2][4] As a radio producer,[16] he worked on Spectrum with former South African Ambassador, Melanie Verwoerd,[17][18][19] and was the series producer on the daily phone-in show Liveline until his retirement in 2020.[1][3][19][20]
Cue sports
McAnally has played billiards at an international level.[1][21] McAnally also covered snooker as an announcer and commentator.[22][23]
Other activities
McAnally is an accomplished magician.[24] McAnally performed a number of stand-up gigs in the early 2000s.[25] He created a one-man show based on his own life in 2019.[3]
Personal life
Aonghus married Billie Morton, and they have sons.[14][26] He has spoken publicly about his father's battle with alcoholism,[27] creating the Irish-language documentary Ray McAnally – M'Athair ("My Father") for TG4 in 2009.[4][28] He has had hair replacement treatments.[11]
References
External links
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