Determined to find a career in the world of entertainment
the young Paddy Feeny tried his hand at acting and was, by his own assessment,
one of the worst thespians ever to tread the stage. He appeared in a BBC radio
play and spent some time in repertory but eventually opted for a change of
direction, obtaining a post as studio manager with BBC European Services. When
the opportunity arose for a shot at being a sports presenter he
enthusiastically stepped for ward and on 9th May 1959, from a studio
in Bush House, he presented his first show. With a few changes en route the
show became Saturday Special, broadcasting highlights of British sport
across the globe via the BBC World Service. Astonishingly, Feeny was to present
the programme for 36 years, his last show being on 24 June 1995.
Patrick Dalrymple Feeny was born in Liverpool on 25th
April 1931, the third child of Howard Raymond John Feeny and Frances Kate
Muspratt. His mother was the daughter of
Sir Max Muspratt, 1st Baronet, a prominent Liverpool chemist,
businessman and Liberal M.P. At the time of Paddy’s birth his family lived at 2
Aigbuth Vale L17, later moving to 17 Fulwood Park L17 (this house standing opposite
Max Muspratt’s imposing mansion ‘The Grange’). By the outbreak of war in 1939
the family moved to Worcestershire and Paddy was sent to school at Ampleforth
College in North Yorkshire.
His BBC career embraced a wide range of programmes. He was
particularly associated with Top of the Form, the general knowledge quiz
for schools, appearing with Geoffrey Wheeler on the TV version (1963-66) and
with Tim Gudgin on the radio (1978-85). Probably his most familiar TV role was
as presenter of Young Scientist of the Year (1966-78). His other productions
included Children’s Favourites (later known as Junior Choice), Records
Round the World (with Judith Chalmers) and Give Us a Conch, Radio 2 natural history quiz.
Paddy Feeny died on 10th June 2018 aged 87.
