Brian Hutton, 1976 to 2022

Brian Hutton was born in Derry on May 18, 1976. He attended St Columb’s College and following periods studying and working in Manchester and Dublin, returned to Derry to study journalism.

After beginning his career at the Belfast Telegraph in Derry in 2003, he worked for the paper in Belfast before moving to Dublin where he took up a position with the Press Association (PA) news agency. Working there for more than a decade until 2017, he became deputy news editor and his byline appeared in publications in Ireland, the UK and the USA.

A freelance career based in Dublin and later in Derry and Donegal saw him covering stories and events on both sides of the border, working almost exclusively for the Irish Times. 

A lover of the sea and a keen swimmer from childhood summers spent on Lisfannon beach, he was never happier than when swimming in his beloved Lough Swilly.

Brian returned to the north-west in recent years and moved to Inishowen, drawn by the proximity to the sea.

He passed away suddenly on December 31, 2022, just hours after a walk along Lough Swilly.

On his death, President Michael D Higgins described him as “a fine journalist and known as a brilliant colleague with a reputation for reliability and sensitive nature”.

Family, loved ones and friends remember him for his wit, warmth, loyalty and love of life. 

He was laid to rest in St Mura’s cemetery in Fahan.

A walk from St Mura’s cross to the top of Gollan Hill to mark his birthday will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 2pm with proceeds going to the save St Mura’s cross fund.