Northern Ireland

Funeral of Rev Brian Kennaway to take place in Co Antrim tomorrow

Rev Brian Kennaway passed away on Monday
Rev Brian Kennaway passed away on Monday Rev Brian Kennaway passed away on Monday

THE funeral of a former prominent member of the Orange Order and Parades Commission is due to take place tomorrow.

Rev Brian Kennaway, who was originally from north Belfast, passed away in hospital on Monday.

A leading commentator on the Orange Order, he was regarded as one of its most senior and outspoken members, writing and lecturing on the institution for decades.

Ordained into the Ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1976, he was an assistant minister in Glengormley Presbyterian Church before becoming minister of Crumlin Presbyterian Church from where he retired in 2009.

He joined the Orange Order in 1964 and wrote extensively on Orangeism and unionism. He also lectured on history and Orangeism and his book The Orange Order: A Tradition Betrayed was published in 2006.

The married father-of-three left the organisation several years ago.

Rev Kennaway was appointed a member the Parades Commission in 2011 and served on the Advisory Board of the Institute for British-Irish Studies at University College Dublin as well as the Irish government’s Inter-Departmental Committee, for the development of the Boyne Site.

The Irish Association, which works to promote understanding and co-operation across Ireland, last night paid tribute to Rev Kennaway.

"The Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former President Rev Brian Kennaway," it said.

"He was deeply committed to the values of dialogue and debate across the island. He spoke at the 75th Anniversary of the Irish Association: 'we are committed to a positive future in this our island home – because this island belongs to all of us'.

"He lived those values and as President, 2009-14, travelled across the island to speak, debate and promote inclusion."

A service of thanksgiving for Rev Kennaway’s life is due to be held in First Donegore Presbyterian Church, Ballyclare at 1pm tomorrow following a private committal.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, sons Ian, Mark and David and wider family circle.