This week, Galway lost two figures whose artistry and passion have shaped the city in ways that will never be forgotten. Ken Bruen, the celebrated crime noir writer, and John Herrick, the footballer and signwriter, both passed away within days of each other, leaving behind legacies as distinct as they were lasting. In their own ways, both men captured the essence of Galway—its resilience, its beauty, and its contradictions. One could strike a ball, the other a chord, but both have forever altered the landscape of this beloved city.
Ken Bruen was more than just a writer. He was an icon whose presence in Galway was as much a part of the city as its ancient cobbled streets. He wasn’t a man who sought the limelight or the trappings of fame; rather, he walked through Galway as though it were his stage, sharing his stories in a way that made the city itself come alive. Through his Jack Taylor novels, he painted a Galway that was both familiar and haunting—filled with dark corners and troubled souls, yet also brimming with compassion and humanity. Bruen’s portrayal of Galway was not just a backdrop for his characters’ struggles but a character in itself, woven into the fabric of the stories he told. The alleyways, the pubs, the ever-present mist—these were not mere settings but integral parts of the narrative, offering a window into a world where beauty and darkness coexisted.
Ken’s writing was gritty, raw, and profoundly human. His characters, particularly Jack Taylor, were often broken, battling personal demons such as addiction, trauma, and a never-ending search for redemption. Jack Taylor, a former cop turned private investigator, epitomized the flawed hero—a man whose sharp wit and biting cynicism were tempered by an unyielding desire for justice. His struggles resonated with readers because, in many ways, they mirrored the human condition itself: messy, painful, and often contradictory. Ken’s ability to find humour in even the darkest moments made his work unforgettable, and his legacy will continue to echo through the pages of his books for years to come.
But Ken Bruen was not only a master of the written word; he was also a mentor to many aspiring writers. His generosity with his time and knowledge helped shape the careers of countless authors who walked in his footsteps. He opened doors for those who sought to learn from his experience, and his influence reached far beyond his own writing. In Galway, where so much of his work was set, Ken became a part of the city’s cultural fabric, and his passing leaves a gap that will be hard to fill. Yet, even in his absence, his work remains a powerful testament to his unique vision and his deep love for the city that inspired him. The city will have to honour him appropriately, as it should have done in the past.
John Herrick, though from Cork by birth, was equally a Galway man. He was a superb footballer whose contributions to the game were matched only by his gentemanly impact off the pitch. A stalwart of the then Galway Rovers, John was a key player in the club’s history, known for his strength, leadership, and fierce determination. Capped three times for Ireland, including a memorable match against a formidable French side in the 1970s, John was a force to be reckoned with. I vividly remember watching him score a rare but unforgettable goal at Terryland Park in the early 80s—a moment that captured the essence of his play: bold, unflinching, and full of heart.
John’s legacy, however, wasn’t confined to his football career. His contributions as a signwriter were equally important, leaving a lasting imprint on the visual landscape of Galway. His craftsmanship adorn many of the city’s buildings, and his work as a painter further demonstrated his deep connection to the artistic spirit of Galway. He was a man of many talents, each one a reflection of his love for the city and its people. His passing has only heightened the value of his work, which now serves as a permanent reminder of his presence in the city.
John’s influence extended beyond his work and his artistry. He was a quiet, supportive figure who gave of himself without hesitation. His pride in his family was evident in everything he did, and his love for Galway ran deep. He was a man who never spared himself, whether on the football field, in his craft, or in his personal life. John’s leadership on the pitch set the standard for generations of Galway footballers, and his role in leading Galway Rovers (now Galway United ) helped shape the club’s future. In this way, he became a cornerstone of Galway’s sporting identity, his legacy forever tied to the history of the club.
John’s influence, like Ken’s, was felt in many ways. His work as a signwriter, his love for Gaeilge, and his quiet guidance to those around him all reflected the same dedication and commitment that defined his football career. He was a man who lived life fully, connecting with the heart of Galway in ways that many others could only aspire to.
Both men had tributes paid to them by President Michael D Higgins. As we reflect on their lives, we are reminded of the power of artistry, whether through the written word or the stroke of a brush. Ken Bruen and John Herrick, in their own ways, both captured the essence of Galway—its grit, its beauty, and its spirit. They were artists whose work will continue to resonate long after their passing. Their legacies are not just found in their books or their football achievements, but in the very fabric of Galway itself.
In Galway, we don’t fawn over celebrities. We don’t treat them as something other, something to be worshipped from a distance. Instead, we take people as they are. Ken Bruen and John Herrick were two such people—men who walked among us, who shared their talents, their struggles, and their lives with a generosity that left a lasting mark on this city. We were fortunate to have known them, and though they are no longer with us, their influence will continue to shape Galway for years to come.
To their families, especially to Ken’s wife Philomena and daughter Grace, and to John’s family Pat, Paul and Mark, we offer our deepest sympathies. Your loss is shared by all of us who loved them. Both Ken and John have left us far too soon, but their legacies will live on in the heart of Galway, forever remembered and forever cherished.
