Mourners Hear How Hugh Wallace Lived Deeply and Left an Unmistakable Legacy at Funeral
Hugh Wallace, the prominent TV personality and architect, passed away at the age of 68 on December 1, 2025, at his home. His funeral service was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, where he had been baptized. Mourners gathered to remember Wallace, including notable figures such as TV presenters Dermot Bannon and Brendan Courtney.
Mourners Reflect on Hugh Wallace’s Unmistakable Legacy
The service began with a poignant performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” one of Wallace’s favorite songs. The Very Reverend William Morton, who led the service, provided a heartfelt tribute. He described Wallace as “honest, direct, passionate, challenging, and deeply human.” He emphasized that Wallace lived life fully, leaving an unmistakable mark on those he met.
“Hugh was known to many through his work on television, wonderfully engaging viewers for the past decade,” Morton noted. Wallace was particularly recognized for his role as a judge on RTÉ’s “Home of the Year.” His unique voice, signature spectacles, and colorful attire made him a beloved figure in the media landscape.
His Life and Love
Wallace and his husband, Martin Corbett, were preparing to move to a new home. The couple had shared a deep bond for 37 years, having met on Valentine’s Day in 1988. Their new residence was to be located next to their current home, reflecting their shared dreams and plans.
“A home is where love abides,” Rev Morton stated. “Hugh’s love for Martin filled their life together, and that love will never fade.” He recalled how Wallace had even sought permission to install a window in their new bedroom, designed to overlook the spire of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
A Tribute to Friendship
Journalist John Waters delivered an emotional tribute, addressing the attendees as if he were Wallace himself. He spoke candidly about how the suddenness of Wallace’s passing had taken everyone by surprise. Waters reminisced about their journey together, touching on the couple’s shared dreams and the ordinary moments that defined their lives.
- Hugh Wallace born in 1956.
- Passed away on December 1, 2025.
- Met Martin Corbett on February 14, 1988.
- Had a successful career in architecture with Douglas Wallace Consultants.
- Judged “Home of the Year” on RTÉ for 10 years.
With a nod to their partnership, Waters emphasized the importance of kindness and support during this difficult time. He reminded everyone to cherish their memories of Wallace and to celebrate his life.
Wallace’s Architectural Legacy
Wallace had a deep passion for architecture, co-founding Douglas Wallace Architects with Alan Douglas in 1982. His firm flourished throughout the 1990s, taking on significant contracts and expanding offices internationally. Wallace’s journey was marked by resilience, as he adapted to the challenges faced in the construction industry.
His later years saw a new chapter in television, where he embraced sharing his architectural insights with a broader audience. Wallace’s contributions to architecture and media left a lasting impression on both the industry and the public.
As the funeral concluded, attendees celebrated the life of Hugh Wallace—an individual who lived deeply and whose legacy will endure in the hearts of many.
