Castlebar mourns passing of local historian, tour guide and walking enthusiast
Castlebar is in mourning today following news of the death, following a short illness, of Brian Hoban, Gallows Hill, and formerly of Newtown, Castlebar.
A member of an old and respected family which ran a grocery shop at Newtown for many years, his passing has evoked a huge sense of loss in the community at large.
The deceased had a lifelong love of local history and heritage.
He was an administrator at Clogher Hertiage Centre for many years as well as being tourism administrator for Clogher Environmental Group.
A former bus courier tour guide, he ran his own history tours of Castlebar during the summer months which were very popular with visitors to the area.
He was a member of the Association of Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland.
Brian had a long association with Castlebar International Four Days Walks and gave loyal service to the organisation.
Predeceased by his parents Brian and Kathleen, he is deeply regretted by his wonderful partner Caroline, his loving sister Máire O Donohoe, (Goatstown Dublin and Bertra Westport), brother-in- law Séamus, nephews Séamus and Brían, nieces Nollaig and Deirdre, cousins, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
His remains will be reposing at The Coady Funeral Home on Wednesday morning from 10.30 a.m. until 11.30 a.m. with removal to the Church of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Runeral Mass at 12 noon.
Interment takes place afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Paying tribute to him, Councillor Ger Deere said he worked with Brian on a number of committees over the years, including In Humbert's Footsteps and the Louis Brennan Commemoration Committee.
"In respect of the latter, we organised a headstone to be erected on Louis' grave in London.
"It was wonderful event attended by former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
"Brian was so generous with his time and knowledge of local and national history.
"He also helped Castlebar Tidy Towns on a number of projects, including the history board at Lough Lannagh," stated Ger.
* For those who would like to pay their respects as the funeral cortège passes through the town, en route to the church, they are welcome to stand in a socially distanced manner on the streets, roadsides, outside the church and cemetery ensuring public health and safety is being upheld to the highest standard.