RTE has issued a statement today to explain why grieving Donegal dad Andrew McGinley was dropped from the Late Late Show last month.
Mr McGinley was due to appear on the programme on October 8th to talk about fundraisers set up in memory of his three children.
All three of Andrew’s children – Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3 – died in January 2020 at the hand of their mother, Deirdre Morley. Ms Morley was found not guilty by reason of insanity of their murders.
McGinley now honours his children’s memories through charity initiatives, and had hoped to raise awareness and funds for the As Darragh Did charity on The Late Late Show.
But the appearance was axed just hours before the show was to air. RTE received a letter that said the interview “could be a painful and traumatic experience” for a viewer.
Mr McGinley said he still does not fully understand the broadcaster’s decision.
RTÉ issued a statement today, saying it “understood the immense grief of Mr McGinley and the sensitivities around this tragedy.
“RTÉ is obliged to adhere to BAI Codes when dealing with such sensitive issues.”
RTÉ spoke to Mr McGinley and also wrote to him a number of weeks ago explaining their reasons not to proceed with the planned interview.
The statement said: “We have not commented on the specifics of our contacts with Mr McGinley. We have also respected the confidentiality of the representations we received from other family members.
“RTÉ gave due consideration to all of this in light of our obligations under the relevant BAI Codes and understand it is extremely sensitive.”
The response from RTE has raised further questions, with Mr McGinley taking to Twitter to say: “So the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland consider a charity launch and a colouring competition to be sensitive issues? Really?”
‘As Darragh Did‘ is one of three projects that celebrate the legacy of the McGinley children. Inspired by seven-year-old Darragh McGinley’s love of music and events, the charity aims to fund local clubs, groups and projects with donations to be used to encourage participation in sports, as Darragh was involved with GAA and Hurling
The fund recently supported the Donegal Down Syndrome Association, among many other groups.
Daniel O’Donnell is to headline a special concert next year for As Darragh Did. The gig will take place on June 2nd 2022 in Newcastle Community Centre in Dublin – Andrew McGinley’s hometown. Tickets are being given away in an exciting raffle at: www.asdarraghdid.ie
The other projects set up by Andrew in his children’s names are a YouTube channel for Conor called ‘Conor’s Clips’ and a colouring competition for Carla- www.snowmanforcarla.ie.
