Who’s The Ross…?

Wizard, a true star…

ormally, when it comes to GG’s Person of The Year award, we sit down with The Chosen One, and present them with their just award.

This year, that hasn’t been quite so easy.

Mainly because this year’s Chosen One – the great Ross McParland, the man behind The Whale, Theatre Lane, and so much more besides – simply runs for cover each and every time someone tries to give him a slap on the back.

And over the years, this man has deserved more slaps on the back than anyone else we know of in this town. Again and again, this selfless man has put his money where his mouth is and delivered a little more magic in the town, always recognising the value rather than the price. And each and every time, as that magic unfolds, Ross McParland has run for the shadows rather than be dragged into the spotlight.

Much of it is behind the scenes – paying for flights for charity night appearances, free accommodation in those Theatre Lane penthouses for visiting artists and civic guests, secretly donating to fundraisers and charities, helping set up the town’s Greystones Players and Making Waves theatre groups, helping an endless stream of people start their own businesses – whilst, thankfully, a few of his philandering shenanigans are just too big and wonderful to ignore.

When Greystones began having outdoor screenings down at The Cove, it was young Ross who was quietly footing the €2,000 bill out of his own pocket until, on about film no.4, those around him suggested 400 people paying a fiver each for a free screening, free food and free gifts on the night might make a little more sense. When our Christmas Lights had coughed up their last sparkle, it was Ross who orchestrated a meeting of minds and funds that resulted in our glittering €27,000 Yuletide light show. It was also young McParland who, of course, resurrected the town’s only theatre, The Whale quickly establishing itself as a firm new favourite with everyone from The Hothouse Flowers and David O’Doherty to Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal and reformed shagmeister Russell Brand.

We could go on, and on, but, we’re sworn to secrecy on some details – and, besides, we know this shy and retiring lad would only run deeper into his cave, possibly never to return. So, let’s just leave it at the simple fact that Ross McParland is the kind of person we all aspire to be. The anti-Scrooge, the anti-Seánie, a Secret Santa for the entire town, all year round, always happy to see a great big smile break out on our faces.

But, you know, from a distance. And with one eye on the exit.

Elvis bless you, Ross McParland.

You can check out previous Greystones Person Of The Year winners here.