The Brian Conlon Foundation opens for a second round of funding in Newry area.

20 Apr 2023

The Brian Conlon Foundation, in conjunction with the Community Foundation, are delighted to announce a new, second round of funding for groups in Newry city.

Funding will be made available for organisations and charities based in Newry city working to advance education, amateur sport, provide opportunities for young people from the local area, and assistance for communities in disadvantaged areas.

The Brian Conlon Foundation, set up in memory of Brian Conlon, will continue his legacy by supporting causes that were close to his heart and that he was passionate about.

Brian was hugely successful in many walks of life – a high achiever in education, entrepreneurship, sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his budding Gaelic football career, Brian turned his attention to business setting up First Derivatives from his mother’s spare bedroom in 1996. Now one of Irelands most successful companies, it employs nearly 3,000 people with fifteen offices globally. Thousands off local graduates have passed through the company’s HQ in Newry many of whom ended up being deployed to large financial institutions throughout the world.

Brian was immensely proud of his roots and his hometown of Newry and despite all of his success, he remained a humble and generous individual throughout supporting numerous people and deserving causes, often quietly.

A spokesperson from the Brian Conlon Foundation said:  

“Through his professional & personal endeavours Brian made a difference to many people’s lives. We hope that through this round of community funding Brian can continue to make a positive , tangible contribution allowing his spirit to live on in the local community in his home town of Newry.”

Siofra Healy, Director of Fund Development at the Community Foundation commented. 

“The Community’s Foundation is delighted to be partnering with the Conlon family as they pay tribute to Brian, with the Foundation established in his memory.

“The first round of funding last year saw over £34,000 distributed to ten groups in Newry and made a huge difference for those who successfully applied, in areas ranging from working with young people in drama, music and sport along with building skills and services for the local community.

“The second round will undoubtedly have the same impact and it’s release is testament to the lasting legacy of Brian in bringing positive change and highlighting his generosity in the Newry area.”

About Brian Conlon  

Brian passed away in July 2019 after a short illness, aged 53.  Entrepreneur and founder of First Derivatives,  he was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague.

Hugely successful in many walks of life, Brian was a high achiever in education, in sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his senior gaelic football career with Co. Down, Brian turned his attention to business and set up First Derivatives from a bedroom in his mother’s home. It is now one of NI’s most successful businesses employing over 2,500 people globally.

Despite his successes’, Brian remained a humble and grounded family man who faced both challenges and opportunities in his own life and who supported local and national causes in a quiet and understated way.