Death of noted Show Business personality, Mr Joseph McCormick

Saturday, February 01, 1969

THE death has taken place in his caravan at Cullion, Magherafelt, of Mr. Joseph McCormick, one of Ireland's, great show business celebrities and a pioneer of the mobile roadshow.

A native of Newry, Mr, McCormick had recently retired after seventy years on stage, during which time he became known throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. Starting his career as a member of Duffy's Circus, he quickly set up in business himself and after marriage he became the proprietor of " The S h a n d o n Cinema," touring North and South of the Border. Eventually he came to reside in the North where he continued his picture shows, variety and entertainment in every county and the name is surely a household and honoured one in showbiz circles. His passing in his own caravan home (as he requested) removes yet another of the old-time celebrities and adds another chapter to the saga of Ireland's roadshow entertainers, who were hailed in every town and village throughout the country in other days. Numerous members of his family still remain in the business and like their famous father are known everywhere, especially here in Co. Tyrone, where they always do great business. The funeral which took place from Cullian to Castlederg was largely attended and fully indicative of the deep regret felt at his passing over a wide area. Rev. A. H. Northridge, Castlederg Parish Church, officiated in the church and at the burial service and the attendance included Very Rev, Fr, Gallagher, P.P., Gortin; Rev. Fr. Q'Loughlin, C.C_., Ruskey, The chief mourners to whom sympathy is extended were:— Colum, Gerald, Lionel, Harry, Richard and William (sons); Mrs. E. Jardine, Mrs. A. White, Miss B. McCormick, Mrs. E. McCormack, Mrs. E. Geraldo_, Mrs. R. McCormick, Mrs. H. McCormick, Mrs. B. McCormick (daughters-in-law); Mrs, Q. McCormick (wife); Harry and Martin McCormick (brothers); Mrs. V- Mayne (sister); Joe McCormick, Michael McCormick (nephews); Sam, Gerald, Lionel Farrell (brothers-in-law); Mrs, E, Wilders (sister-in-law). It was Mr, McCormicVs desire to be buried at Castlederg, a town which was always a port of call for his mobile show and which he maintained was one of the best centres in the North.