Death of former Fourmilehouse resident in US
Paul Healy
Michael Dryhurst’s presence in Fourmilehouse – ‘Old Ballinderry Schoolhouse, Fourmilehouse’ to be precise – brought just a touch of Hollywood glamour to the area. After all, Marlon Brando knew him. So did Frank Sinatra. Sean Connery too. When Michael and his wife Karen moved here in 2006, it was time for the people of Fourmilehouse, Roscommon Town and environs to get to know him too.
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Dryhurst, news of which only reached us towards the end of October. He died in America on September 9th, 2025 at the age of 87. He is survived by his devoted wife, Karen; niece, Charlotte; nephew Nick and great-nephew, Tom. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and May Roberts Dryhurst and brother, Christopher Dryhurst.
Before moving to the USA a few years ago, Michael and Karen were residents of Fourmilehouse, Co Roscommon for over a decade.
A Golden Globe-winning movie producer/director, Michael Dryhurst was a native of London who fell in love with rural Roscommon. When they saw the old Ballinderry schoolhouse, Michael and Karen decided that their search for an idyllic retreat in Ireland was over. On purchasing the property, they set about renovating it and made it their home.
During his time in Roscommon, I became quite friendly with Michael. He was an occasional contributor to the Roscommon People, by way of commissioned articles and letters to the editor. His letters to this newspaper reflected his direct, opinionated style, always laced with acerbic humour. Favourite subjects were what he considered to be flaws or gaps in the quality of public services; impatience/frustration with politicians too… ‘authority’ figures almost always the ‘target’ of his pen.
He also did some voluntary work with RosFM, and wrote articles and books on a lifelong passion of his – buses (as a young man, Michael owned a double-decker bus before acquiring a car).
He was born in London on March 22nd 1938. At just 17 years of age he entered the movie industry, starting as a ‘clapper loader’, then working his way through various departments as he learnt his craft. In time, he became a producer, director, production manager and camera operator.
For over half a century he worked with many highly accomplished movie stars, including the aforementioned Brando, Sinatra and Connery. One can add in Helen Mirren, Ava Gardner, and many more. Indeed Fourmilehouse’s new resident all those years ago worked on many famous movies, including Excalibur, Never Say Never Again (starring Sean Connery), and Hope and Glory (1987), for which Dryhurst received a Golden Globe award for his producer/director role. He was assistant director on Superman (1978), and co-producer on ‘Hudson Hawk’ (1991), which starred Bruce Willis and Andie MacDowell. In all, he worked on eleven Oscar-nominated films during his career.
When Michael first moved to America, he married an American lady, Karen Gordon. Later came the move to Ireland, where that property in Fourmilehouse caught the couple’s eye during their house-hunting across rural Ireland. In 2010, Karen established Roscommon Chocolate Factory. The couple merged into the local community, embracing new friendships and an environment and quality of life that appealed to them.
A Celebration of Michael Dryhurst’s life was held at Caruth Village Funeral Home, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas on Friday, September 19th.
An email from a ‘mutual acquaintance’ brought the sad news of Michael’s passing. The final scene in a life well lived. Sincere sympathy to his wife Karen, family members and friends. May he rest in peace.
