Begging to differ on Begley

The "Begley affair" was the subject of many column inches in the newspapers of the time and kept the chattering classes occupied for the duration of the scandal.

A teacher of elocution, Burke-Pentz, was at a loss to understand the reasoning behind Begley's dismissal. "Apart from a few irritating affectations, which could have been corrected, I felt he had the correct tone, rhythm and inflection for the post of announcer," she said.

Ernest Blythe, the Abbey's managing director, was dismissive of the whole affair: "The only thing I can say is that with his particular accent he should never have been appointed." Likewise, Sean Keating, RHA, thought Radio Eireann was correct to follow the will of the masses. "He was a very good and clear speaker, but if the majority of the people don't want him there is nothing to do but let him go," he said.

Micheal MacLiammoir said: "To my own ear there is nothing purer or more beautiful than an Oxford accent, but there is nothing so tiring than an affected Oxford or spurious accent."

These quotes originally appeared in the Sunday Independent, November 15th, 1953.