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The proposed new Theatre and Conference Centre on the site of the former Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry should keep the name of the Newry man, who was responsible for helping put many young Newry actors on the world stage. That's according to Newry City Councillor Doire Finn, who has reiterated her calls for the late great Sean Hollywood's name to be maintained as works progress on the new arts facility.
The Newry City Councillor explained: "Born in 1943, Sean Hollywood was an extremely well-renowned actor within the theatrical circles of Newry and beyond, working diligently as an actor and director with Newpoint Players and was responsible for bringing many young actors on to the world stage.
"Alongside his honourable service to our community as a teacher in St Coleman's College in Newry, Sean played a leading role in the Civil Rights Movement in the North and was a lead organiser in the first Civil Rights March in Newry where over 100,000 people took to the streets in protest, despite the march being deemed illegal."
Cllr Finn continued: "Following his passing in 1998, in 2003 the Arts Centre was named in his honour and has since then been titled the 'Sean Hollywood Arts Centre'. Whilst his legacy has been honoured in tributes including being nominated as 'Newry and Mourne Man of the Century' , and most recently with the help of Newry Maritime Association and Ulster History Circle with a Blue Plaque which was unveiled at St Coleman's College in 2023, the historic name of our City's only permanent base for the Arts must remain.
"I have submitted a formal application to Newry Mourne and Down District Council for the New Theatre and Conference Centre to remain in the name of Sean Hollywood and I am calling on all Councillors and Political Party's to support this.
"Sean's legacy is unique to Newry, a City which he loved and honoured throughout his life. The historical significance of his impact to the arts and young people across Newry cannot and should not be forgotten."
