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Family and friends of the late Sean Hollywood gathered at St Colman's College yesterday to remember and celebrate his life with the installation of a Blue Plaque on the front wall of the college.
Sean died in 1998 and the event was held on what would have been his 80th birthday. It was organised by Newry Maritime Association in co-operation with the Ulster History Circle. The wording on the plaque said Sean Hollywood 1943-1998. Teacher at St Colman's 1967-1998. Actor and Director Newpoint Players. Civil rights leader. Hurler, Footballer, Gael.
The Platform Party at St Colman's College for the unveiling of an Ulster History Circle Blue Plaque. front row l-r Cormac McKinney Principal, Helena Young Newry Maritime Association, Patricia Slevin (Sean's Sister), Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, Chris Spurr Chairman Ulster History Circle, Eibhlin Mhic Aoidh Vice Chair Ulster History Circle, back ro l-r David Pearse Actor and past pupil, Kenneth Irvine UHC Personal reflections of Sean, Donal O'Hanlon Chairman/Director Newpoint Players, Sean Og McAteer Secretary Down County GAA, Rory McShane speaking on Sean's part in the Civil Rights Association, James McAreavey Chairman Newry Maritime Association. Photograph: Liz Boyle
Sean was a Newry man through an through. As well as teaching in St Colman's he was deeply involved in the Civil Rights movement in the town, and one of the main organisers of the Newry Civil Rights march in February 1972. On the sporting field he played both football and hurling and managed Down Hurlers.
He was a founding member of the SDLP and was elected as a councillor to Newry and Mourne District Council in 1973. Sean started as Artistic Director with Newpoint Players in 1976 and from then until his untimely death at the age of 55 was responsible for bringing many young actors on to the world stage.
Speaking of the event James McArevey, Chairman, Newry Maritime Association said "All at NMA are extremely proud that the Circle accepted our nomination of the man who was voted "Newry and Mourne Man of the Century in 2000.
"After 25 years since his untimely passing in 1998 the appreciation of Sean's stellar qualities hasn't diminished. All community sections were represented in the packed house at St Colman's College today and the tributes flowed from across the board. What a tribute to an incredible achiever and what a legacy he has left us all."
Music at the event was provided by students Daire Downey and Sean Devlin as well as a performance by the College Choir. Actor David Pearce read a reading.
Newry Maritime Association thanked Mickey Keenan and Modern Fireplace; Michael Mc Caul, Michael Mc Caul Signs; St Colman's Principal, Cormac Mc Kinney and all the staff and Maud Hamill and everyone connected to the Ulster History Circle.
