'True gentleman' Hugh Boyle remembered following his passing

Hugh Snr, who owned the restaurant alongside his son Hugh Jr since 1994, provided employment for hundreds of local people over the last three decades, and was remembered fondly by many people in comments on social media.

“So sorry to hear this sad news of the passing of Hugh,” wrote one former employee. “I had the pleasure to work for Hugh many years ago, and had many good laughs with him, a true gentleman. Thinking of the whole family at this very sad time.”

Other employees said: “So sorry to hear of the passing of Hugh, he was a great man and a wonderful person to work for, he will be greatly missed. Condolences to Hugh Jr and the entire Boyle family,” and “I have fond memories working for Hugh many years ago in the Shelbourne - a lovely man! Condolences to all the family.”

According to his death notice, Hugh passed away “peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family.”

“Dearly beloved husband of Nicola and former husband of Nellie, loving Daddy to Paula (Colin), Donna (Raymond), Nicola (Paul), Hugh (Louise) and Shenna, much loved Granda of Caílam, Shea, Ross, Dylan, Harry, Ellie, Oisín, Culann, Cailim, Rory and Hugo. Dearest son of the late Gerry and Mary RIP. Cherished brother of Stephen, Terry, Ann, John and the late Donal and Liam RIP.”

Hugh also co-founded the Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland charity, which provides free CPD-certified M.E. resources and educational events for all healthcare providers, QUB and Ulster University students - alongside offering support, information, advice for M.E., Post-Covid M.E. and Fibromyalgia patients, their carers and families.

The charity’s social media page thanked Hugh, “whose wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering support” helped guide the charity since its inception 15 years ago.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Hugh Boyle Snr., a co-founder of Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland in 2011, and our Vice Treasurer ever since.

“Hugh was far more than a committee member. He was a constant, a steady, trusted presence whose wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering support helped guide this charity for over 15 years.

“In every challenge, Hugh brought calm, clarity, and sound judgement and his influence is woven into everything we have built.

“Hugh’s legacy will live on in the work we continue, and in the lives he has touched along the way.

“We extend sincere, heartfelt condolences to the entire family circle.

“Rest in peace, Hugh. You will be deeply missed.”

Carrickcruppen GAA club also paid their respects in a post online, saying that Hugh “never failed to have a special word for those from his own locality.”

“The Chairman, Committee and all at Carrickcruppen GAA are deeply saddened by news of the passing of our friend and neighbour, Hugh Boyle RIP.

“To his wife Nicola, to his former wife Nellie, to his children Paula, Donna, Nicola, Hugh, and to their partners and to Shenna, we extend our deepest sympathy. We also extend our sympathies to his brothers Stephen, Terry, John and to his sister Ann and to their families. In our prayers we also recall Hugh’s parents and his deceased brothers Donal RIP and Liam RIP.

“Hugh and his immediate and wider family have always been supportive of the work of our club in the Camlough and Bessbrook area. Like other members of his family, Hugh was both hardworking and enterprising. He was affable and pleasant company and always took time to greet his customers. He never failed to have a special word for those from his own locality.

“Hugh will be greatly missed, by his immediate and wider family, by business colleagues and by his friends and neighbours.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Hugh's remains will repose at his late residence 40 Carrivekeeney Road, Camlough BT35 7LU on both Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral leaving on foot at 10.45am Friday 27th March for 12 noon Requiem Mass in St Malachy's Church, Carrickcruppen. Interment in adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to Cuan Mhuire c/o the family.