The above is exactly the kind of initiative which would have filled Lar Cassidy, who died last week, with joy. I can remember his delight when as community arts officer he explained the plans for a Tallaght Community Arts Centre at Virginia House - which is now a reality, as you can see from the story below. I also remember him explaining with glee how a clause in the planning permission for the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre would facilitate the development of the Blanchardstown Arts Centre - and the plans for that venue are now well advanced.

The struggle to put together the money to fund the Ireland And Its Diaspora element of the Frankfurt Book Fair was intense, and obviously put Lar under enormous stress, but he simply would not buckle, even under intensive media questioning. Basically, Ireland And Its Diaspora happened because Lar insisted that it should and it would, and refused to give up.

He fought shamelessly and with old-fashioned doggedness for what was good, and the journalists he enlisted on his side in these fights - of which I was one - felt privileged to be allowed to share his excitement. The best way those of us who work in the arts can pay our respects to him is to continue to be inspired by his vision.

A book of condolences will remain open at the Arts Council until November 8th.