Press Releases19 Jun 09

Obituary: Mr Andrew Doloughan

Tribute to Former Church of Ireland Press Officer

The funeral of Mr Andrew (Andy) Doloughan took place on Friday 12th June 2009 in the Cathedral Church of Christ the Redeemer, Dromore. Andy, an experienced journalist, was highly involved in the life of the Church, particularly in Dromore, and acted as the Church of Ireland’s Press Officer during the 1990s.

In his funeral tribute, the Very Revd Stephen Lowry, Dean of Dromore, recalled that Andy, born over 92 years ago, was the youngest of thirteen children and the last of his siblings to survive. He was educated at Ballvicknakelly Public Elementary School and at the Technical School in Dromore. Later he was to teach Gregg’s Shorthand, typing and other skills valued in the business community.

He began his career in journalism at the Dromore Leader in the late 1930s as a court reporter in district courts. After twenty years with the Leader he moved to work happily but briefly at the Belfast Telegraph before going to work for the Banbridge Chronicle for a further 27 years, 22 of which as Editor. He came out of retirement to become Acting Press Officer of the Church of Ireland during a few years of vacancy in the permanent post in the 1990s.

His involvement in Dromore Cathedral included teaching in the Cathedral’s Confirmation Class; some 60 years involvement in the Sunday School; and as a member of the Cathedral’s Select Vestry for 57 years, for 44 years as its Honorary Secretary. He was a Diocesan Reader for 41 years from 1957 to 1999 and a key member of the Dromore Players. He authored the Cathedral and Town History of Dromore, Our Great Inheritance.

Andy was married to Isabella (Belle) in 1955; Belle predeceased her husband in 2002. Dean Lowry said, ‘Andy will be remembered fondly as a gentleman, an inspiring example to ordinary people wishing to make the best of themselves, and as man universally admired and respected.’

The service was led by Dean Stephen Lowry with the assistance of Cathedral Curate, the Revd Trevor McKeown; former Curate, the Revd Canon Roderic West; former Rector, Archdeacon Billy Neill; and, representing the Bishop of Down & Dromore, Archdeacon John Scott. The burial took place in the Cathedral churchyard.

ENDS