The founding father Leo Braun thanks the hosts and supporters of the 45th IFC at Castlemartyr in East Cork, Ireland
The self-proclaimed ‘mere’ programme maker in his alluring manner, called on the dead, the retired, the currently active and fledgling radio crowd - and implored them to continue in their relentless effort to renew themselves as people and their craft.
James Joyce once wrote: Shut Your Eyes And See.
And so it happened, that in just four days the annual migration of radio disciples tuned into 30 radio features: discussed, questioned, wondered, learned, imparted wisdom on 10 full length features and many more excerpts of programmes all had listened to ahead of time.
This Irish IFC group increased to well over 200 people this year. Radio nurtures its own offspring through the Åke Blomström Memorial Prize and last year's promising newcomers got to showcase their first features. All the while the newly selected Åke Blomström hopefuls are rearing to go and learn from their experienced coaches.
Liam O’Brien and the entire RTÉ team made it all seem so effortless. Work and play in equal measure.
With the Bull trophy the reign was handed over to Daria Corrias and Fabiana Carobolante from Rai, Italy.
We look forward to the 46th IFC in Rome!
Hosts and speakers:
Michael D Higgens - Irish President (video message),
Noel Curran - Director General of the EBU (video message), Séan Mac Giolla Padraig - Group Head of Factual, RTÉ, Tom McGuire - The Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Celene Craig - Deputy Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), Silvia Lahner - Chair of EURORADIO (EBU) Features Group, Gabriela Hermer - Chair of Åke Blomström Award