Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn of the death of Hugh Dorrian. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, Fionnbarr, Conor, Orla, Declan, Emmett and Garrett, his brother Frank, his grandchildren and the entire family circle at this sad time. To the Gaels of Ballygalget we offer our condolences on the passing of a man synonymous with the Club.
Hugh was Centre Half Back on the All Ireland Junior winning team of 1964, a year when he also captained Ballygalget to the County Senior Hurling Title. He was a man whose inter county career spanned the period from 1955 where he started as a goalkeeper right through to 1969 when he played as corner forward, the highlight of course being the All Ireland Junior win in 1964. From 1956 to 1970 for 12 Seasons , Hugh was an ever present on the Ulster Railway Hurling Cup Team, where he pitted his wits against the greats of the game from the other provinces including the legendary Christy Ring.
In 1967 Hugh became the first Ballygalget man to compete in the All Ireland Poc Fada, finishing fourth overall and together with Hugo O Prey their combined scores earned Down second place in the Team competition, no challenge was too great for Hugh.
He was a committed Ballygalget Clubman too, being involved in the purchase of and development of Mitchel Park and in 1970 saw that dream come to fruition when Ballygalget played Portaferry on the new pitch with Hugh lining out at full forward. When Hugh retired as a player he took on the role of Team Manager and even returned to have a spell as player manager in 1971. Hugh was also a County selector on more than one occasion over the years.
Hugh Dorrian was a man who espoused the spirit of the Gael, he was passionate and formidable on and off the field, his heart was in his Club and in his County and to both he gave outstanding service. Down and Ballygalget are in a richer place for having Hugh Dorrian in our midst.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Funeral Arrangements
Dorrian, (Ballygalget) Died 16 December 2023, peacefully at hospital. Hugh, dearly loved and devoted husband of the late Pauline , loving father of Fionnbarr, Conor, Orla, Declan, Emmett and Garrett, dear brother of Frank and the late Johnny, Mary, Theresa, Liam, James and Sarah, much loved grandfather to Caolán, Tiarna, Oisín, Ruirai, Saoirse, Hugh, Niamh, Bronagh, Oran, Kiera, Aileen, Michael, Eoin, Caoimhe, Cliodhna, Aaron, Darragh, Ita, Moya and Laoise. Father-in-law to Rebecca, Sheila, Noreen, Karen and Sara.
Hugh’s cortege will leave his home 44 Tullymally Road, Portaferry on Thursday 21 December at 10.30am to St Patrick’s Church, Ballgalget for Requiem Mass at 11am which can be viewed live on the parish webcam St Patrick’s Church Ballygalget Webcam (portaferryparish.com) Burial afterwards in adjoining graveyard.
Family flowers only please. Donations if desired can be made directly to Chest Heart and Stroke
By Wed 20th Dec
