RIP Hugh Sheelan

With the recent sad passing of Hugh Sheelan R I P(18/03/2019), Rush Dramatic Society mourns the loss of its President a respected and committed member who contributed enormously to the building of the Millbank Theatre and upheld the proud tradition of the Society generally.
Hugh developed his love of Drama in his native Cooley ,enhanced on meeting wife Rosaleen from Dundalk,a town with a long tradition in Amateur Drama and Musical Theatre.  It was no surprise therefore after coming to Rush in the late 1950s that they would both  become involved in Rush Dramatic Society, Rosaleen displaying a fine acting talent over many years, Hugh opting instead for committee and administrative work although he acted in two plays I.e. As Racker in the Larry Johnston farce “Mummy and the Mumps” 1966 and as Dandy McCabe  in the Festival success John B Keane’s “The Field”1969. He was knowledgable in matters Dramatic and Theatre generally, forthright in his opinions but supportive and constructive in his critiques which contributed in no small way to the maintenance of the Society’s overall high standards in production- good acting being a key element.  He always had the welfare of the Society at heart and was proud of its achievements during the years of competing on the Festival Circuit and followed the fortunes of theSociety with a personal interes

With the acquision of the property at Chapel Green and the eventual building of the Millbank Theatre ,Hugh was a vital Trustee ,where his wise councils ,business networking skills ,and outstanding fundraising ability ,were invaluable to the successful completion of the project and the opening of the Theatre in 1988 and its successful operation since then.

As a mark of respect to an outstanding member and despite the Covid 19 Pandemic the general membership formed a Guard of Honour as Hugh’s funeral passed the Millbank Theatre on its way to his final resting place in his beloved Cooley, Saturday 20th March 2020.

May Hugh Rest in Peace.