Niall Tóibín has died aged 89.
The Irish actor and comedian – who was best known for his roles in TV drama ‘Ballykissangel’, and as Judge Ballaugh alongside Cate Blanchett in 2003 Oscar-winning movie ‘Veronica Guerin’ – sadly passed away in Dublin in the early hours of Wednesday morning (13.11.19) after a long illness, according to RTE.
The veteran performer – who was born in Cork – also appeared in the likes of ‘Ryan’s Daughter’, along with roles in ‘Bracken’, and ‘Brideshead Revisited’.
His career spanned four decades, and included parts in ‘The Ballroom of Romance’, ‘The Clinic’ and ‘Far and Away’.
Away from the big and small screens, Tóibín starred as poet Brendan Behan in the original production of ‘Borstal Boy’ at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
In 2011, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Irish Film and Television Academy, and four years later he received the Freedom of Cork to recognise his incredible work on TV, film and stage.
He said at the time: "It is my great great pleasure to hear myself lauded by my fellow countrymen … Cork to me is not just home. Cork to me is, in many ways, heaven."
Then-Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Mary Shields added: "The man we are honouring is truly remarkable: a stage and film actor of international repute, an author and a trailblazing comic. We have been enriched, amused, provoked and stimulated by his life’s work."
His most recent credit came last year, when he played Patrick in the short film ‘Remains’.
Tóibín is survived by his five children – Sighle, Aisling, Fiana, Sean and Muireann – and seven grandchildren.
Sadly, his wife Judy – whom he was married to for 45 years – died in 2002.
Niall Tóibín dead aged 89
