2019 was a year of heartbreak as we said goodbye to some of the greatest names in showbiz. From actors and comedians, to broadcasters and presenters, many of the greats were laid to rest.
Gay Byrne
In November of this year, the great Gay Byrne sadly lost his battle with cancer. The 85-year-old passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family; wife Kathleen, children Crona and Suzy, and their grandkids.
Gay became a household name, when he began working on RTE’s Late Late Show in the 60’s. He continued to do so for a further 37 years, until he retired in 1999. During his time with the station, Gay made an incredible impact on the lives of viewers, listeners and fellow presenters, too. Honouring the broadcaster, RTE aired a Late Late Show special to say goodbye to the former host, and give him the send-off he deserved. Gay will certainly be missed.
Niall Tóibín
Irish actor and comedian Niall Tóibín sadly passed away in November, following a lengthy illness. The 89-year-old, originally from Cork, starred in countless tv shows and movies in both Ireland and abroad, and would probably be best known for his roles in The Clinic, and Ballykissangel.
Philomena Lynott
We sadly said goodbye to Philomena Lynott over the summer, who spent the last few years of her life battling cancer. The 88-year-old passed away in June, and will be remembered by family, friends – and fans too. Ahead of her passing, she had a waxwork created in the National Wax Museum, which stands proudly beside another of her son, Thin Lizzy rockstar Phil Lynott. At the time she told us, “It’s so emotional to think that I’m now beside him forever more.”
Karl Shiels
Fair City star Karl Shiels passed away suddenly over the summer, aged just 47. Colleagues and co-stars shared heartfelt tributes to the late star, calling him ‘a big character, both on and off screen’. Jenny Dixon, George McMahon, Johnny Ward and Clelia Murphy, were just to a few to share emotional words about the actor, before he was laid to rest.
Brendan Grace
Just weeks after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, acclaimed comedian Brendan Grace sadly passed away. Remembering her husband, Eileen told the Irish Independent, “He wrote me a beautiful card and I found it in his bag. He was very romantic, right up to the very end, let me tell you. He was a pure gentleman. The time that we all had in the hospital was nothing short of epic. We partied and he ate everything he wanted.”
Ahead of his untimely death, the 68-year-old began working on a documentary series for RTE. The series followed his journey to put on a show with the Forget-Me-Nots choir and a group of his showbiz friends in the Olympia Theatre, but once he fell ill, the series changed focus immediately and went from a documentary about a man fighting to put on a show, to the story of a man fighting for his life. Viewers were overcome with emotion watching the show, and praised his nearest and dearest for allowing it go to air. An incredible way to remember an incredible man.