West Cork remembers the late Terry Wogan

THE sudden death of Sir Terry Wogan on Sunday brought back some memories for those who met the Limerick born broadcaster when he visited West Cork in 2011.

As part of his BBC travel programme Terry Wogan’s Ireland,  Sir Terry visited parts of West Cork, and Patricia Bowen of the Ballinspittle Grotto Committee fondly recalls when Terry came to interview her and Sean Murray.

‘He was a lovely man and it was brilliant to meet him and it’s something that will last forever in our minds,’ Patricia told The Southern Star.

‘He came to Ballinspittle because he was interested in the grotto and we were at the grotto for about an hour or so, as his crew filmed the interview. 

‘I think he went into the village after for a bite to eat and met a few locals. It’s very sad that he died, as he was a lovable character,’ added Patricia.

Sir Terry and his film crew also headed west to Cape Clear where he visited the Irish college and spoke to teenagers who were there learning the language during the summer holidays. 

Following this, Terry took a boat trip out to Fastnet Rock.

Bandon-born BBC presenter, Graham Norton took to Twitter to express his sorrow on hearing of the death of his fellow Irishman.

‘He made it seem effortless and for a young boy in Ireland, he made it seem possible. RIP Sir Terry Wogan, I’ll raise a glass during song 9.’

Sir Terry was forever associated with the Eurovision Song Contest and it was probably only fitting that the mantle of overseeing the cheesy show was passed on to fellow Munster presenter Norton in 2009.