The SCMF was established by the family and friends of Seán Crummey. Seán was known by most as the political satirist and creator/writer of BBC's 'The Folks on the Hill'. To those closest to Seán, he is remembered as the loving husband, amazing father and wonderful friend that he was to so many. The SCMF supports the incredible work being carried out into bowel cancer research by the QUB Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology.

A message from Niamh & Brendan 

To mark our Daddy's 10th anniversary, we have decided to run the Paris marathon in April 2022. As a family, we wanted to honour Seán in a special way this year and build on the previous fundraising efforts of The Seán Crummey Memorial Fund. We chose Paris due to our Daddy’s connection and love for the city. A place he lived in, spent his honeymoon in and brought us back to as a family to enjoy together. We hope we make him proud when we cross the finish line on April 3^rd. We would like to thank you all for your interest and support into our fundraising efforts and hope this will help bring us closer to our goal of £100,000.

                                               Thank you, Niamh and Brendan

Background

Seán Crummey was known by most as the writer and voice of
television and radio show ‘The Folks on the Hill’. Others knew him as the much sought-after stand up comic who spent years working the after-dinner entertainment circuit in Ireland, after humble beginnings as ‘Johnny Day’ in the late 1990s. To those closest to Seán, he was the most genuine, honest and caring friend, husband and father and could only be described as ‘the ultimate gentleman’. 

Seán was born on the 23rd December 1957. The fifth of six children, Seán grew up on the Glen Road and became a pupil at St Kevin’s Primary School aged just 3 years old. As a pupil of St Malachy’s College Belfast, Seán enjoyed music, drama and discovered his passion for languages. Graduating from Queen’s University
Belfast in 1980 with a BA in French and Classical Greek, it was during this time that he met wife to be, Gabrielle, through mutual friends. He taught French for seventeen years at De La Salle College in Belfast and enjoyed performing in and directing many a school show in the college.

After being encouraged to take part in a local talent show by close friends who recognised his talent as an impressionist (he would go on to win the talent show!), Seán decided to work the after-dinner entertainment circuit as Johnny Day.  During this time, Seán impersonated dozens of key figures, focusing especially on Northern Ireland’s politicians. His personal early favourite voices to imitate were those of the late Pope John Paul II and PUP leader David Irvine.

In 2001, BBC’s The Folks on the Hill was aired for the first time. For over 10 years, with a total of 17 radio and animated TV series, Seán wrote and starred in the hugely successful programme. His gentle, humorous political satire, often stingingly accurate but never hurtful, showcased his comic genius. The show entertained thousands and was appreciated by politicians across Northern Ireland who looked forward to their appearance on the show.

Seán passed away on the 13th November 2011, from a cancer–related illness with his wife Gabrielle and three children, Conor, Niamh and Brendan by his side. The day before, The Folks on the Hill’s final radio show was broadcasted.

It is hoped that The Seán Crummey Memorial Fund will help those who face the same battle as Seán, while keeping his warmth, kindness and incredible generosity alive.