Newry’s planned multi-million pound theatre and conference centre should be named after renowned local actor Sean Hollywood.
And that view – by one local councillor – is to be put to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The name of Sean Hollywood already lends itself to the arts centre in the city.
But SDLP’s Doire Finn wants to ensure that Hollywood’s legacy continues with the new venue also to be named in his honour.
She has reiterated her calls for “the late great Sean Hollywood’s name to be maintained as works progress” on the new theatre and conference centre.
Councillor Finn 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.
“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.”
The councillor said she had “submitted a formal application” for the new venue to remain in the name of Sean Hollywood and called on all councillors and political parties to show their support.
“Sean’s legacy is unique to Newry, a city which he loved and honoured throughout his life,” she added. “The historical significance of his impact to the arts and young people across Newry cannot and should not be forgotten.”
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