'He understood people ... how they live, how they hope and dream'

Moving eulogy at TV architect Hugh's funeral

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN

TV architect Hugh Wallace was described as a “charismatic man” who deeply understood people, mourners at his funeral were told yesterday.

The star of RTE’s Home of the Year and The Great House Revival, who died suddenly on Monday aged 68 was loved for his wit, passion and candour.

He was laid to rest after his funeral mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, where he was also baptised.

After the service opened with his favourite song Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Rev William Morton said while Hugh's friends and family gathered in sorrow, he also wanted to celebrate “with 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.

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