The RTÉ Home of the Year star and architect was laid to rest at St Patrick’s Cathedral following his funeral mass today
The Funeral of Hugh Wallace took place in St Patricks Cathedral(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
The much-loved telly personality Hugh Wallace was hailed as a “charismatic man” with a deep understanding of people at his funeral mass.
The esteemed architect passed away suddenly on December 1, aged 68. He was a familiar face on RTÉ’s home design programmes such as Home of the Year and The Great House Revival, where he was cherished for his humour, enthusiasm and honesty.
The television star was laid to rest after his funeral mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin this morning, the same place where he was baptised as a child. The service began with Hugh’s favourite tune, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, as Reverend William Morton greeted the large gathering, reports the Irish Mirror.
The dean said that while Hugh’s wide circle of friends and family convened in grief this morning, he also wished to commemorate “with deep gratitude”, his life.
He added: “With his characteristic voice, his large spectacles, colourful shirts and jumpers we gather today in sorrow, but also with deep gratitude for Hugh’s life, a man who quite literally shaped the spaces in which others live their lives.
“He, of course, was known to many through his work on television, knowledgeable, forthright, unafraid to speak plainly and never shying away from conviction. He understood buildings, but more than that, he understood people, how they live, how they hope, how they dream and how they contend fiercely for what they believe in.
“The perfect home, in his estimation, is a reflection of the personality of the people who live there. And today we are reminded of that, that a house is more than brick and timber.
“A home is where love abides, and everyone who knew Hugh knows that his true home was found in his life with Martin in shared work, shared laughter, shared dreams. Their new home held so much in store for them, yet the love that filled those plans does not vanish with death.”
John Waters then became visibly moved as he approached the altar to honour his close friend. He explained it felt “way too soon” to be discussing the late television personality in the past tense, so he chose to speak as Hugh himself, saying: “Hugh is going to tell you his story and I am going to be the mouthpiece for that story, it will be Hugh you are hearing.”
Regarding his sudden passing, Waters said: “I’m afraid I was taken by complete surprise on Sunday. I had assumed I didn’t think I’d get a sudden exit. I had assumed a more flamboyant exit in years to come, after much more TV success and perhaps a couple of BAFTA Awards.
“Because the rumours were there. Things were going so well. Douglas Wallace Consultants was flying. My TV career was flying, and Martin and I were just about to move the furniture into the house which Martin and I had been working on for three years.”
Reflecting on his cherished partner Martin, John said: “A lot of fairy tales began at the George pub in Dublin and Martin and I were part of a fairy tale. It was Valentine’s night of 1988 and we lasted together for 37 years, which I’d take again if I could.
“Martin never really bought into the celebrity stuff. Martin loved me for me. He became my civil partner in 2012 and he stuck with me to the end, right up until Sunday night. We really did travel the world together and meet very interesting people, but behind the celebrity and the public persona, Martin and I were really two ordinary guys.
“We had the same hopes, fears, dreams and wants as everyone else. So it’s been lovely to have this chance to have this word with you because of how quickly I went, but it’s time for me to wrap it up now and to go.
“And I’m just going to ask you to remember I’ve had some of the best times of my life with most of you, or some of you. It’s important that when you think of those, smile, don’t be sad. Give Martin a shoulder to lean on if he needs it, be kind to each other.”
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp.
Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .