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Jazz legends pay tribute to INM director Irish Independent 12 May 2007
LEGENDARY jazz ensemble The Jazz Lads paid a fitting tribute to their long-time friend and admirer Vincent Ferguson, who was laid to rest yesterday. The 75-year-old director of Independent News and Media PLC, art collector and music lover died suddenly at his Co Sligo home on Tuesday night. Hundreds of mourners who packed the tiny St Columba's church in Rosses Point in Sligo smiled through their tears as the strains of 'Bourbon Street' accompanied his coffin to its final resting place. It was her father's favourite tune and he would phone her, no matter where she was in the world, to let her hear the Jazz Lads playing it, Ciara Ferguson told the congregation. Leading the mourners were his grieving wife Noeleen, daughters Ciara, Judy and Emma and sons, John, Conor and Paul. Vincent's sister Mary and brother Dessie were also in attendance. Representatives from the worlds of business and the arts converged to pay their respects to someone who in the words of parish priest, Mons Gerry Dolan was "widely revered and highly respected". Among those present were Gavin O'Reilly, chief operating officer of Independent News & Media PLC and Designer,Patrick McCabe and Dermot Healy. Reading one of her father's favourite Yeats' poems 'Who Goes With Fergus', Ciara recalled her father's humanity and sense of fun. "No party will ever be the same without Dad. He gave us so much of himself," she said. Her brother John said his father's absence had been filled with recollections, memories and stories from people he had touched. He raised a laugh when he mused that if his father was there yesterday, being the modest, gracious and humble person that he was, he would say "malarkey". Businessman and art collector Vincent Ferguson is mourned Irish Independent 11.05.2007 Anita Guidera HUNDREDS of mourners packed a Sligo church last night for the removal of the late businessman and art collector Vincent A Ferguson. The 75-year-old director of Independent News and Media plc died suddenly at his home in Rosses Point on Tuesday night. Leading the mourners were his grieving wife Noeleen, daughters Ciara, Judy and Emma, and sons John, Conor and Paul. Friends from the worlds of business and the arts gathered at the family home and later at St Columba's Church in Rosses Point to pay their respects In a moving tribute to his friend and colleague of over 40 years, Sir Anthony O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Independent News and Media plc, said that there were few moments in his life when faced with various choices that he did not seek Vincent Ferguson's advice. "We have lost a man of character, wisdom, graciousness, humour, a lover of art, music and literature and a fine husband to Noeleen and father." Sir Anthony, en route to South Africa when he got the news said despite all they had been through, their friendship never swayed. Among the mourners were board members of Independent News and Media, including Chairman Dr Brian and Miriam Hillery, Deputy Chairman Liam and Eithne Healy, Donal Buggy, Finance Director, Andrew Donagher, Company Secretary, Joe Webb, Senator Maurice and Joan Hayes, Joe Daly and wife Eileen, Kevin McGoran and wife Betty and Vincent Crowley, CE INM Ireland. The funeral follows Requiem Mass at midday.
THE death has occured of well known Sligo businessman, Mr. Vincent Ferguson, of Ballyweelin, Rosses Point. Mr. Ferguson died suddenly at his home yesterday afternoon, Tuesday. In his mid 70's, he was a former director of a number of companies, including Fitzwilton plc, Atlantic Resources Limited and Independent News and Media. Mr. Ferguson was also a renowned art collector and together with his wife, Noeleen, had one of the largest collections of contemporary Irish art. A keen lover of jazz, only last week he attended the Derry Jazz Festival. He is survived by his wife, and by his sons, Conor, John and Paul; daughters Ciara, Judy and Emma. The Sligo Champion 09/May/2007
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