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The Funeral Mass for Rev. Deacon Brendan McAllister took place on Saturday at Newry Cathedral, with hundreds travelling long distances to pay their respects. The Newry man died suddenly 13 December aged just 66. He had been ordained a Deacon just 11 months previously back in January 2022 and had been given a pastoral placement in Warrenpoint and Burren.
Trained in Social Work and then working as a Probation* Officer, it is no wonder that Mediation became Brendan's field and something he excelled at, becoming Director of Mediation in NI, then working in the mediation field on the international stage in Brussels and New York. Later he took on the role of Interim Advocate for victims of historical institutional abuse, a position which he retired from in 2020.
A spokesperson for Mediation NI in a short statement said "Few people have done as much for mediation and peacebuilding in Ireland as Brendan. He was our Director for 16 years and helped lead the development of mediation in this part of the world, and beyond. Among many things, he helped bring about police reform; was an advisor to the Parades Commission; and served as Victims Commissioner from 2008 to 2012.
"He went on to work as an international peacemaker with the UN Mediation Support Unit in some of the most challenging conflict zones in the world.
"Brendan brought so much energy and humanity to every interaction he had, and we would not be what we are today without his leadership, guidance, friendship and vision. He will be greatly missed by us and so many others."
Untimely
The main celebrant at Deacon McAllister's funeral was Newry Parish Administrator, Very Rev Canon Francis Brown. Archbishop Eamon Martin and many other clergy and deacons were also in attendance. Canon Brown had known Brendan and his wife Elizabeth and their families for the past 48 years.
Speaking of Brendan's untimely death Canon Brown said "An untimely death which is almost always sudden too, is like a blackout. One minute the sun is shining. Next minute it is dark night. Without much warning, or the slightest chance to prepare ourselves, we are plunged into an impenetrable darkness. In the space of a minute our whole world is turned upside down.
Just a few short weeks ago Brendan was busy about his daily tasks and just as suddenly as a power cut, his life was changed by a rather sudden and unexpected illness with its complications."
Canon Brown recalled that Brendan grew up in Greenwood Drive and attended St. Colman’s Abbey Primary School and then the Abbey Grammar School, before going to Queen’s University to study History and Politics.
Canon Brown said "He subsequently trained in Social Work and spent 12 years as a Probation Officer, including his work for two years in Maghaberry Prison. In 1992 Brendan became Director of Mediation in Northern Ireland and for the next 16 years he was very involved in mediation of the troubles. He served for four years as a commissioner for victims and survivors of the Northern Ireland conflict before moving into the international peace mediation field in 2012, working first in Brussels for the European Union before joining the United Nations in New York in 2015 as a Senior Mediation Advisor. Brendan’s final appointment was as Interim Advocate for victims of historical institutional abuse until his retirement in 2020."
Canon Brown in his Homily spoke of the gratefulness of the parish for being able to share his enthusiasm and wisdom "Brendan’s aspiration was to be able to help people grow in their spirituality and to see God in all aspects of their lives. He had a particular interest in ‘contemplative spirituality’. We in Newry parish are eternally grateful to the contribution Brendan has made to our parish in various ways. As a member of the parish pastoral council for the past five years he has shared his enthusiasm and wisdom, and this has been invaluable. He will be sorely missed. His work in Kilbroney parish since his ordination has been appreciated very much. He gave of himself totally in everything that he did. In so many ways much of Brendan’s career prepared him well for this ministry."
Tributes
Extensive Tributes have been made in memory of Rev. Deacon Brendan McAllister.
Fun to be around
A spokesperson from the Corrymeela Community in tribute said "Brendan helped Corrymeela live up to its promise at an international level and lived out Corrymeela’s values in encounters at every level of society.
"He was also a lot of fun to be around – as eager to put on an accent for a skit in the Croí as he was to lead early morning Lauds. His gentle voice carried a strong spirit; he was always highly opinionated and always open to having his mind changed."
Gentle
Friend Tom Kelly said "Brendan was a practitioner of peace, an agent of forgiveness and a deliverer of great compassion and hope. He was the gentlest of souls but also had a steely resolve not to lose sight of the greater prize. A small man with broad shoulders on which he often carried the burdens, grief and heartache of others."
Respect
The Orange Order District Master of Ballynafeigh Bro Noel Liggett said "Brendan worked hard with No 10 District during the 1990's to try and find a settlement to the parades issue on the Ormeau Road, in his role with the Northern Ireland Mediation Network. At all times he showed respect and understanding to the Orange tradition in Ballynafeigh."
Loss widely felt in community
Cllr Michael Savage, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said " A great man and a brilliant human being. Brendan gave so much to our community throughout his life. His loss will be so widely felt in our community but no more so than by his family."
Legacy of Giving
MLA Emma Little-Pengelly said "I am so saddened to hear of the death of Brendan McAllister. I worked with him over many years in various roles. Quietly spoken, determined and passionate about achieving good and a better future. In the years since, he always had a word of gracious encouragement. A man of faith, who has left a legacy of giving and service. Gone too soon. My thoughts are with his family and close friends at this heart breaking time."
Trusted and Respected
Paying tribute Justin McNulty said "Brendan was a man of immense talent and diverse interests. He was someone who was prepared to step outside his own niche and try something completely different. He was creative and innovative, fair minded and strong willed.
"Brendan had many roles that he excelled in including being a former chair of the SDLP Newry Branch, however, Brendan’s major contribution to Ireland and across the world was as a mediator who helped solve many contentious situations. He was trusted and respected wherever he went."
Deepest condolences to his wife Elizabeth, daughter Anna, sons Joseph and Tom, grandchildren, Dara, Oisín and Shaan, sisters Marie and Sheila, brothers Kevin and Seamus and the entire circle of family and friends.
*correction 9.15pm
