Mr Brian Hoey

NEWCASTLE mourns the death of Brian Hoey, ‘The Library Man’, who died peacefully at his home, 10 Tullybrannigan Way, Newcastle, on November 7, 2016.

Brian, who was 58, was a ‘culture guru’ and worked in Downpatrick Library and Newcastle Library. His kindness and humour have been commented on by all who knew him and his breadth of knowledge was legendary.

Brian came to Newcastle from Glengormley in 1984 and was manager of the Pick and Save supermarket in the town. He immersed himself in Newcastle life and joined the Donard Theatre Group, treading the boards and becoming treasurer and general factotum.

He was part of the Newcastle Literary and Historical Society and was instrumental in organising a poetry festival, bringing Seamus Heaney, John Montague and Michael Longley to the town.

In 1989 he joined the Newcastle Glees Musical Society and trod the boards for many years, including playing the Pantomime Dame, as well as acting as stage manager. Through the Glees he met his wife, Aedin Bradley. Their children, Erin and Ross, are both now following careers within the Arts.

Wonderfully quick witted, warm and intelligent, kind and thoughtful, he will be remembered by all who knew him.

A service of thanksgiving for his life, aptly held in the Annesley Hall, Newcastle, was widely attended. It was led by Colette O’Hare, with music by Careen Starkey, Emma Nugent and Bridin Wells.

Fiona Kirker, representing the library, spoke of his devotion to the Library Service. Elizabeth McCann and Bridie Cassidy, from the Donard Theatre Group, spoke fondly of his quick wit and humour, and his mother, Rosemary, thanked the people of Newcastle for taking Brian into their hearts.

His son, Ross, finished a quotation from a play by Tom Murphy and spoke of a Book of Condolence for Brian which is now in Newcastle Library where people can share fond memories of one of Newcastle’s true legends.

The sympathy of the community is extended to his wife, Aedin, daughter Erin, son Ross, mum Rosemary, brothers Ian (Lisburn) and Garry (Australia), and the Hoey and Bradley families.