The late Gus Hanley was a guiding light for the arts in Longford
A true legend: Gus Hanley’s warmth and integrity left a lasting impression on everyone
Many tributes have been paid to the late Gus Hanley, Killashee, County Longford, and formerly of Richmond Street, Longford Town, and former Principal of Ardagh national school, who died peacefully at the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, on Monday, April 20.
Described as ‘a guiding light for the arts in Longford’, Gus was a decent and kind man, with a bright mind and gentle soul , and he was a fabulous storyteller.
Gus was predeceased by his beloved daughter Louise, sister Marie, and brother Niall. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his partner Evelyn, daughter Emma, son Darren, Anita, the McLoughlin family, the McGuinness family, his extended family, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.
His reposal takes place at Kelly’s Funeral Home, Athlone Road, Longford on Saturday, May 2 from 4pm until 6.30pm. Funeral Service is at Lakelands Crematorium, Dublin Road, Cavan (Eircode H12 RF78) on Sunday, May 3 at 1pm.
Ms Teresa Kearney, Principal St Mel's NS, Ardagh, in an online tribute, said the staff and board of management at the school are ‘deeply saddened’ by the passing of their former Principal Gus.
She remembered Gus as ‘a kind and dedicated colleague, he was a wonderful teacher and a caring Principal who always placed the children and the school community at the heart of all he did. He offered guidance, support, and encouragement to staff and pupils alike, and his warmth and integrity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered’.
The members of Longford Town Men's Shed also paid tribute to Gus.
“He was a lovely gentleman and a great storyteller. He was at the heart of many of the Shed's activities including recording its history in photos and videos, he was a leading member of both the music group and the Irish group. Bhí ard suim aige san teanga agus san cultúr Gaeilge. Fear iontach ab ea thú, Gus. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.”
In a lovely social media tribute to Gus, Backstage Theatre Group said they were ‘truly lucky to have such a wonderful and wondrous person in our midst’.
“It is with a deep sense of sadness and regret that we note the passing of one of Backstage Theatre Group’s most loved members, Gus Hanley. One of the founding members of BTG, Gus was one of the most accomplished actors and directors that the group ever had."
“He received so many nominations and awards for his amazing acting ability, capping it with winning the award for best supporting actor in the All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone in 1990 for his portrayal of Mush in the group’s excellent production of A Whistle in The Dark by Tom Murphy."
They added, “Likewise, as a director of many one act and full length productions, he was a multi award winner for plays that he brought on the festival circuit, and directed the Group’s All-Ireland One Act Finals winner in 2009, Small Box Psychosis by Barry McKinley."
"Gus directed three other productions that reached the All-Ireland One Act Finals – High Time and Hidden Meanings in the late 1980’s for our own group, and Tom Clarke’s One True Love for Cornmill TG in 2016. This play was written by his great friend and confidant Killian McGuinness."
“As a director, Gus always chose plays that had a large cast (if there weren't enough parts he wasn’t averse to writing in parts for people if he had to!), as one of his main missions in the theatre world was to involve as many people as possible in his productions."
"He was an amazing facilitator, and in that regard, he introduced countless numbers of people to his drama and musical theatre productions. He honed his innate talents at the ADL (now DLI) Summer School, and willingly shared his broad spectrum of skills with BTG for so many years."
“He nurtured and mentored so many budding and experienced actors in our own group, and indeed other drama groups, and this sharing will be a huge part of his legacy for those of us to whom he gave so generously. Gus was a huge supporter of the Summer School, and wrote many articles in the ADL Newsletter about the goings on in the said Summer School at that time. Gus was a frequent contributor to that ADL newsletter and became well known in amateur drama circles nationally."
“Through all his activities, Gus still found time to set up Backstage Youth Theatre Group in the 1990’s, and he is very fondly remembered for the many (very) talented young people that he nurtured in that organisation, some of whom have gone into the professional world of theatre, and achieved high success therein. BYT is still thriving to this day."
“When our group first hosted the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals in 1998, Gus was the festival director for this event. Suffice to say, it is broadly accepted that the running of those finals became the template for the running of The All-Ireland One Act Finals since then. The vision and the attention to detail by Gus was the hallmark of the success of that event."
“What a man, what a wonderful legacy he has left to the amateur drama family in his beloved BTG and BYT, and indeed to our great neighbours in Carrigallen as well. He has been an inspiration to not one, but two generations of thespians in his lifetime, and his legacy will live on with us."
“His amazing skillset, his interpersonal skills, his wit, his energetic approach to all his projects, and most of all, his kindness to everyone around him – we truly were lucky to have such a wonderful and wondrous person in our midst."
“A legend. A gentleman. A friend."
“To Evelyn, Darren, Emma and Anita, and to the extended family circles, we offer our sincere condolences to you all on the sad passing of our beloved Gus.”