Father Ted star Rynagh O’Grady dies suddenly aged 67 as tributes are paid to star’s ‘humour, integrity and patience’
- Rynagh was best known for her role as Craggy Island shop owner Mary O’Leary from 1995-1998
- Her death was announced in a statement by the Abbey Theatre and obtained by Dublin Live
- It read: ‘We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our beloved friend and colleague Rynagh O’Grady.
- ‘We are thinking of her family and all who loved her.
- ‘Rynagh trained in the Abbey School of Acting and first appeared on our stages in 1969’
- Director of the Abbey Theatre, Graham McLaren said: ‘Rynagh O Grady, Her grace, Her talent, Her humour, Her integrity, Her patience’
Father Ted star Rynagh O’Grady has died aged 67.
The death of the Irish actress, best known for her role as Craggy Island shop owner Mary O’Leary from 1995-1998, was announced in a statement by the Abbey Theatre and obtained by Dublin Live.
It read: ‘We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of our beloved friend and colleague Rynagh O’Grady. We are thinking of her family and all who loved her.
RIP: Father Ted star Rynagh O’Grady has died aged 67 (above as Mary O’Leary in the show)
‘Rynagh trained in the Abbey School of Acting and first appeared on our stages in 1969. Notable productions included Donal O’Kelly’s Mamie Sighs in 1990 and more recently in Deirdre Kinahan’s The Unmanageable Sisters.
Director of the Abbey Theatre, Graham McLaren said: ‘Rynagh O Grady, Her grace, Her talent, Her humour, Her integrity, Her patience
‘I’d sneak into the back row of the Abbey to watch her hush a hysterical audience with a look, then lead them through a speech full of heart, humanity & justice
‘Irish theatre got a lot darker today.
Tragic loss: The death of the Irish actress, best known for her role as Craggy Island shop owner Mary O’Leary from 1995-1998, was announced in a statement by the Abbey Theatre and obtained by Dublin Live
Iconic role: Although Rynagh became a nationally known name with her role in Father Ted, she was a star of the Irish theatre scene
‘We were honoured to have Rynagh reading for the Abbey stage as part of Dear Ireland in August 2020. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, dear Rynagh.’
Fellow Abbey Theatre actor Bill Murphy also tweeted a tribute to his friend and colleague, writing: ‘So sorry to hear of the passing of our trojan woman and friend actor Rynagh O Grady.
‘We served together on equity and more recently worked together,with the Abbey Theatre on dear ireland continues and abbey calling. Thunderous ovations to you Rynagh. You made your mark.’
Tribute: Fellow Abbey Theatre actor Bill Murphy also tweeted a tribute to his friend and colleague, writing: ‘So sorry to hear of the passing of our trojan woman and friend actor Rynagh O Grady’