The Arts Council is deeply saddened by the passing of former Council member John Wilson, who was a member of the Arts Council from 1993 – 1998. The former Fianna Fáil Minister and Tánaiste died on Monday 9 July 2007.
Born in Cavan on 8 July, 1923, Mr Wilson was educated at St Mel’s College, Longford, University of London and the National University of Ireland. He was a secondary school teacher at Gonzaga College and also a university lecturer. He won two All-Ireland medals as a footballer for Cavan and five Ulster Football Championship medals.
Speaking today, Ms Mary Cloake, Director of the Arts Council, said: “John Wilson’s time on the Arts Council was marked by his erudition and his empathy. He championed the regional development of the arts and his contribution to arts policy was profound, drawing from his classical learning, his experience in politics and particularly his time as Minister for education. He was truly a Renaissance man. We offer our sympathy to his wife Ita and his children.”