On Sunday December 26, Fair City actress Jean Costello passed away.
The actress who played Rita Doyle in the RTE soap first appeared on our screens in 1989 and was a Carrigstown resident up until 2013. During her time as Rita, she was married to Bela Doyle who was played by Jim Bartley.
The news was confirmed by Jean’s sister Sylvia Murray, who wrote on Facebook on December 29: “All my love. Jean was a lady. At least she’s up there now keeping my nanny company, our two angels.”
RTÉ paid tribute to Jean and Fair City’s executive producer Brigie de Courcy described her as a “stalwart” in the long-running series.
“Everyone in Fair City is deeply saddened to hear about the sad passing of our former colleague Jean Costello. Jean was a stalwart in Fair City when she played the role of Rita Doyle,” she said.
“She entertained the homes of millions of Irish people for over 20 years as she was one of Carrigstown’s most loved characters.
“We send our deepest condolences to her family and wide circle of friends and colleagues.”
Jean’s funeral is due to take place on New Year’s Eve on Dublin’s North William Street and it will be followed by a celebration of Jean’s life at the Garden Chapel in Mount Jerome at Harold’s Cross at 3pm.
