Tullamore Musical Society pays tribute to cherished member on his passing

Tullamore Musical Society has paid tribute to one of its veteran members on his passing this week.

The late Brian Hughes and his family have been associated with the society for many decades.

His funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption on Wednesday morning.

The society's tribute reads as follows:

"It is with great sadness and the deepest respect that we say goodbye to Brian Hughes, a long-time, cherished member of Tullamore Musical Society. We extend our deepest sympathies to his children Colin, Michelle and Nicola and his wider family and circle of friends.

Brian’s involvement with TMS dates back to 1955, not as a member of the society but as one of the CBS schoolboys participating in a sketch as part of the opening concert presented by Tullamore Musical and Dramatic Society, now Tullamore Musical Society.

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He made his official debut in 1967 in The Quaker Girl, and over the years since, his consistent high quality comedic performance brought joy to Tullamore audiences.

Brian was nominated for an A.I.M.S award his role as Og in Finian’s Rainbow in 1985. Beyond the stage, he served the society with distinction as a long-standing committee member and as Chairperson from 2001 to 2004, always generous with his time, encouragement, and support. Brian was more than just a member of Tullamore Musical Society, he was part of a remarkable family whose contribution to the society spans generations and reaches back to its very foundation.

In 1954, Brian’s father Jack and his brother Willie Hughes, were key figures in the development of the Tullamore Musical and Dramatic Society. Willie became the Society’s first Chairperson in 1955, leading the committee that staged Trial by Jury in May of that year.

Jack was widely acclaimed for his work on stage, as a producer and stage manager, and later became the first layperson elected President in 1971, serving as a guiding light until his passing five years later. Brian’s late mother, Pauline, also gave many years of dedicated service as part of the Front of House team and was part of the A.I.M.S award winning FOH team in 2001.

Brian and his own family proudly carried their legacy forward, his late wife, Mairéad, served the society as Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and was a member of our FOH teams that won A.I.M.S. awards in 1979 and 1989.

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Brian’s talent and dedication was passed onto his children Colin, Nicola and Michelle, who were also very active society members both on stage and on committee. Recently, Colin served as the society’s Chairperson for our 2023 and 2024 productions and has been in more productions than we can count, most recently being was nominated for an A.I.M.S award for his role as Joe Emmett in Michael Collins in 2023.

For many years, Brian was a cornerstone of our society. His kindness, humour, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working alongside him. He will be remembered not only for his many contributions on and off the stage, but also for the friendships he fostered and the spirit of community he helped to build.

May Brian rest in peace, and may his legacy live on in the music, memories, and society he helped to shape."