Brian was "cornerstone" of Tullamore Musical Society
Warm tributes are being paid this week to the hugely-talented Brian Hughes, whose name has been synonymous with Tullamore Musical Society for over seven decades.
The much-loved comedic genius, who celebrated his 80th birthday only last month, passed away at his home in Arden Heights on Saturday last, March 28, and will be laid to rest in his beloved Tullamore tomorrow morning (Wednesday).
As well as being one of the most popular members of Tullamore Musical Society, the late Brian Hughes comes from what the society have described in a touching tribute this week as “a remarkable family” whose contribution to their local musical society spans generations and reaches back to its very foundations.
He made his first appearance on stage in 1955 as one of the CBS schoolboys featuring in a comedy sketch as part of the opening concert presented by Tullamore Musical and Dramatic Society (now Tullamore Musical Society) which had been set up the previous year by a group which included his father, Jack and his uncle, Willie.
The late Jack Hughes was widely acclaimed as a producer and stage manager, and went on to become the first layperson elected President of Tullamore Musical Society in 1971, serving as a guiding light until his passing five years later, while 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 front of house team in 2001.
Brian Hughes was a master of comedic timing, and he brought great joy to Tullamore audiences in his countless comedic roles over the decades, even being nominated for an AIMS award for his unforgettable role as Óg in Finian's Rainbow in 1985. He made his official debut with the society in 'The Quaker Girl' in 1967 and went on to become one of its most enduring and popular members who not just lit up the stage but also served as a long-standing committee member and as chairperson where he was always generous with his time, encouragement and support.
Having been steeped in Tullamore Musical Society from an early age, the late Brian Hughes went on to foster that great legacy in his own family with his late wife, Mairéad, serving in a number of roles with the society and being a member of the front of house teams that won AIMS awards in 1979 and 1989.
His talent and dedication was passed on, in turn, to his own children, Colin, Nicola and Michelle, who were also very active society members both on stage and on committee. Colin, who served as the society’s Chairperson in 2023 and 2024, has appeared in numerous Tullamore Musical Society production where he has lit up the stage with his own comedic genius and, like his late father, he has also proved to be a master of comedic timing.
In a touching tribute on Facebook this week, Tullamore Musical Society described the late Brian Hughes as “a cornerstone” of the society, and said his “kindness, humour, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of working alongside him.” They added that 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.”
The late Brian Hughes is predeceased by his loving wife Mairéad, parents Jack and Pauline and brothers Paul and John. He will be sadly missed by his loving children Michelle, Nicola and Colin, sons-in-law Dermot and Aidan, daughter-in-law Catriona, grandchildren Ross, Ally, Faye, Kenny, Will and Terry, his loving sister Deirdre, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral arrangements
The remains of the late Brian Hughes will repose at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore this evening (Tuesday) from 4pm until 7pm.
Removal from his home at 12. Arden Heights, Tullamore tomorrow morning (Wednesday) arriving at the Church of the Assumption for Funeral Mass at 10am, which will be followed by burial in Clonminch Cemetery Tullamore.