And, indeed, this vivacious and articulate personality did open the door, bringing joy and laughter into the lives of many, with the Abbey Players, Newry Musical and Orchestral Society, the Newry Pantomime Society, as well the Newry Top Talent Contests.

With regard to Sean Hollywood, TV and film star, Susan Lynch recalled being brought by her elder sister to a rehearsal at the actor/producer’s home on High Street. Describing the living-room as “like a Noah’s ark, with so many bodies crammed into a little space.

The star of `Noah Barnacle` and `Amongst Women` added: “I have worked in practically every aspect of the acting profession, but I fondly remember where it all began. Sean is no longer with us; but his dream continues.” Meanwhile, her brother John Lynch described his mentor as: “Larger than life; very flamboyant.”

In a tribute to Sean, which appeared in the `Irish News` 17 years ago, I wrote: “If a Hall of Fame were to be presented to the top actor or producer in the north, then the accolade would surely go to all-round sportsman, former civil rights leader and politician, Sean Hollywood from the Newpoint Players in Newry.

The sideboard at his home at High Street, close to the town’s first theatre in the 1790’s, is sagging beneath silver trophies, recording such achievements as the unique double of “Best Actor” and “Best Producer” at the Opera House in Belfast; as well as his exploits as player-manager of Down and Ulster hurling sides.

“That modest, engaging personality also made the headlines by coming close to defeating Enoch Powell for the South Down seat at Westminster. And he also helped to mastermind the massive march in Newry after Bloody Sunday, when a peaceful rejection of unionist security policy led directly to Stormont’s downfall.

A born leader, articulate, witty and a skilful organiser, young Hollywood found himself catapulted into the leadership of the civil rights movement. And with the imposition of interment, he got deeply involved in the rent and rates strike. But though Sean was elected to Newry and Mourne district council, becoming the SDLP security spokesman, it all went sour and he abandoned politics.

Drama proved the winner, as the versatile Sean Hollywood got immersed with Newpoint Players, winning a host of honours as "Best Actor" and "Best Producer." But his greatest delight was the success of the Youth Group, with whom he was associated from 1980. Among those who graduated from that nursery were John and Susan Lynch, Peter Balance, Thomas Gorman, Tony Keeley, Sean Sloan, Mairead McKinley, Tommy McLaughlin, Gerard Rooney, Kieran Cunningham (Eurovision producer) and Paul Burke (lighting engineer for pop groups.)

Incidentally, Sean was chairman of Newpoint Players, when Newry and Mourne district council accorded the company an official reception to mark its 40th anniversary in 1986. The atmosphere was in sharp contrast to the stormy relationship between the society and members of Newry Urban Council, 30 years earlier, when they sued each other over a 10 shillings (50 pence) bill!

Legends about bad luck have hung over the play “Macbeth,” but they turned out to be true in the case of Newpoint Players. The ambitious production had been a great success, with Norah Wilson as Lady Macbeth, with other main roles by Liam O’Callaghan, David Hanna, Owen Mooney, Charlie Smyth and Barbara O’Hare.

The pipes and drums of the Thomas Davis Pipe Band, under Pipe-Major Anthony Fitzpatrick, paraded around the stage. And the three witches were played by Nancie Murphy, Marie Shorthall and Mildred Callaghan, the audience being “chilled by their mad antics, prancing around the smoking cauldron, brewing spells.”

However, the witches’ spells had a more lasting effect! For Newry Urban Council sued Newpoint Players for damage to the stage at the refurbished Town Hall, caused by a “bloodstain,” a red liquid used to simulate blood. The society paid to have the offending stain removed, but the council claimed that scratches had been caused, and were adamant that the 10 shillings should be paid.

The case went to court, and the council lost. But the Town Clerk stated: “I have made a decision in this matter. There is no power on earth that will make me change my mind.” He was backed by the council, under chairman Max Keogh. So, Newpoint Players remained in exile for over 12 months, until the 10 shillings was paid anonymously.

The `Sunday Independent` critic once described a newcomer to the cast, Charlie Smyth, as “a young man, who has blossomed out as the town’s best-ever product in the field of comedy.” And the baul’ Charlie was still at it, 50 years later, as evidenced by a standing ovation for his performance in “Don’t tell the wife” in 2003.

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