Noel Andrews:NOEL ANDREWS, who died earlier this year aged 79, was a member of a family which made a significant contribution to Irish broadcasting over a period of more than 60 years.
His older brother, Eamon, who later became chairman of the RTÉ Broadcasting Authority, was an iconic figure in broadcasting in the immediate post-war years, first as a sports commentator with Radio Éireann and later, as one of the high-profile personalities on British radio and TV.
It was only after Eamon moved to London in 1949 to present Sports Report, a BBC radio show which in its prime attracted audiences of more than 20 million, that Noel's career took off. Almost inevitably, boxing was central to the early success of both men.
Growing up on Dublin’s South Circular Road, close to the National Stadium, the brothers took a keen interest in the noble art. Eamon, a national boxing champion, would later recall that he was still in his boxing gear after taking part in an earlier contest when he did his first commentary for Radio Éireann in 1945.
Noel’s radio debut was no less hurried for he was just months past his 18th birthday when he stepped into the breach after his brother’s move had left Radio Éireann in need of a replacement commentator. In spite of his early involvement in broadcasting, Noel initially chose to pursue a career in architecture. After graduating in 1952 he spent two years working in a Dublin office.
He never quite managed to distance himself from the excitement of his early experiences on the airwaves, however, and in 1955 he took up broadcasting on a full-time, freelance basis.
At the time, sponsored programmes dominated Radio Éireann’s schedules and they offered him an opportunity of supplementing his income from coveted but erratic boxing assignments. Pat Layde, his brother-in-law, and a fellow Abbey actor, Denis Brennan, were big players in the heyday of sponsored programmes. But a younger generation headed by Gay Byrne, Larry Gogan and Noel Andrews emerged among the leaders in this field.
It was against this background,that he embarked on a new career in 1970 when he upped and left Montrose to buy the Avoca Inn, a long-established facility in the scenic Co Wicklow village. The move was not without risk for a true-blue Dubliner with no experience of the licensed trade. But his convivial manner and ability as a raconteur ensured that for the next 20 years the establishment remained at the hub of village life.
After a brief sojourn in Gorey to assist in the setting up of South East Radio FM, he was ready for his next challenge in 1994 – a successful bed and breakfast enterprise in Liscannor, Co Clare. He eventually returned to the east coast in 2003 to live out his final years in Annagassan, Co Louth.
For all his extra business activities, however, Noel Andrews remained loyal to his first love, boxing and microphone in hand. He continued to be a familiar ringside figure at home and abroad.
Among those he encountered on his travels were such patriarchal personalities as Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston. Fittingly, it was his voice that conveyed the joyful news to the masses that Barry McGuigan and Steve Collins had enriched Ireland’s proud tradition in the sport by winning world titles
It was in Barcelona in 1992 that he enjoyed his finest moments as he watched Michael Carruth win the Olympic welterweight gold medal.
Noel Andrews, who remarried after the death of his first wife,Joan in 1981, is survived by his second wife, Agnes, and six children: William, Martin, Colette,Janet, Pauline and Kathleen.
Noel Andrews: born January 7th, 1932; died January 8th, 2011