There has been shock and sadness in Co Tyrone after the sudden passing of a popular local amateur theatre actor.
Liam McBride, 54, was well-known as a volunteer with local theatre groups around Omagh and as a committee member for the Culmore and O’Kane Park Residents association.
Affectionately known as ‘Rum’ by those close to him, Liam was laid to rest following a funeral service in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday.
READ MORE: Community in mourning after sudden death of Co Tyrone teen
Local playwright and friend of Liam’s, Bean McCaugherty, paid tribute to him and said he would be greatly missed by all who knew him.
“Rum was a one-off, he lived playing comedic parts and he was brilliant at it,” Bean told MyTyrone.
“He loved playing those roles and he never baulked at anything you asked him to do.
“His death came as a massive shock to everyone in Omagh , especially in Culmore and O’Kane Park, that’s where he originated from and where he still lived.
“Everybody that knew rum had great time for him, he was a great lad and loved by everybody.”
Omagh town councillor and current chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Barry McElduff said there was ‘great shock’ in the Co Tyrone town since Liam’s untimely death.
“There was great shock at the passing of Liam in the Culmore / O’Kane Park community and throughout Omagh as well,” Cllr McElduff said.
“His family and many friends will miss him badly. The esteem in which he was held was so evident in the past week from listening to neighbours and local people.
“I extend my sympathy to Liam’s loved ones.”
The Culmore/O’Kane Park Residents Association said the loss of Liam was devastating.
“It is with great sadness we send our condolences to the Mc Bride family, partner and daughters of Liam Mc Bride, fondly known as Rum,” the group said in a post.
“Liam was a former member of the resident's committee and brought such wit and great craic to the table.
“The sudden and devastating loss of Liam will be felt throughout the park and community.
“We ask for everyone to offer their prayers and thoughts to his family at this time.”
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