Tributes to former chief librarian at Linen Hall Library who was also decorated Gaelic player

Tributes to former chief librarian at Linen Hall Library who was also decorated Gaelic player

5 January 2022

A LOUGHINISLAND man who was the custodian of some of Northern Ireland’s most precious books and written history will be buried tomorrow.

The former chief librarian of Belfast’s Linen Hall Library, John Killen was hailed as a “gentleman and friend to all” after he died peacefully at his home on Sunday.

A respected author, historian and former Gaelic footballer, Mr Killen was aged 67.

He had worked at Ireland’s oldest and last subion library for 37 years and became friends with some of its most regular visitors, such as the poet Seamus Heaney, writers Sam Hanna Bell, John Hewitt, Joseph Tomelty and the artist Padraic Woods.

Mr Killen retired in January 2015, after taking up his first role as an Irish reference librarian at the Linen Hall in 1977.

He was known for continuing the work of a former colleague, Jimmy Vitty, by establishing an extensive political papers section of posters, prisoners’ books and records from the Maze/Long Kesh.

The collection houses more than 350,000 separate items and is now used by academics and students from across the world.

Among the many books written by Mr Killen was the story of the 234 year-old library, along with the Irish Christmas Book and The Unkindest Cut: A Cartoon History of Ulster 1900-2000, as well as books on the Irish famine and the United Irishmen.

One of his most recent books was The St Patrick’s Treasury, a celebration of the myths, legends and traditions of Ireland’s patron saint who is buried in the grounds of Down Cathedral. 

Mr Killen was also highly regarded as a county hurler and Gaelic footballer who won championship medals, having played for his home club Loughinisland, Downpatrick’s RGU and Queen’s.

Loughinisland GAC said on social media the club was “devastated” to learn of Mr Killen’s death who had also been a member and secretary in 2015.

He won two championship medals with the club in 1975 and 1989.

Mr Killen, who was reared in Saul, started as a Gaelic footballer with RGU.

He won several Minor championships medals for the Downpatrick side, including leading them to victory over Loughinisland in the SFC final in 1972.

Queen’s GAA remembered on social media how Mr Killen was a former Sigerson Cup player from 1974-77 and was also part of the first All-Ireland Freshers winning team in 1973.

The Linen Hall Library shared its reaction to the sad news on social media.

It said of its former head: “John joined the Library in 1977 and dedicated the next 37 years to this institution. Much loved by staff, members, visitors and the world of librarianship at large. A gentleman and friend to all.”

The news of Mr Killen’s passing was also marked by Belfast’s Lord Lieutenant, Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, CBE, who said on social media: “John’s contribution to literacy, creativity, history in the city was sustained and distinguished.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard paid his condolences to the Killen family and called him “a scholar and a Gael”. 

Former SDLP Leader, Baroness Margaret Ritchie, wrote on social media that Mr Killen was “a lovely, courteous, knowledgeable person on many historical matters”.

Political commentator Eamonn Mallie praised Mr Killen for his passion and love of books.

Mr Killen’s funeral will leave his late residence tomorrow for Requiem Mass at 10am at St Macartan’s Church in Loughinisland with internment at the adjoining cemetery afterwards.

He is survived by his wife Marian, children Emma, Jonathan, Stephen and Orla, grandchildren Eoghan, Anna, Fionn, Catherine, Peter and Eloise, brother Paddy, sister Mary, son-in-law Ruairí and daughters-in-law Lenka and Kirsten. He was predeceased by a brother, James.