Rynagh O’Grady, best known for playing Mary O’Leary in the sitcom Father Ted, has died at the age of 67.
The Irish actor played Mary, a local shopkeeper known for her privately volatile marriage to her husband John, in six episodes of the Channel 4 sitcom.
She also appeared in The Commitments and the 1999 film A Love Divided, and had a string of theatre credits to her name.
Rynagh’s death was announced in a statement by Abbey Theatre, with whom she worked throughout her career.
“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,” they said.
The theatre’s director Graham McLaren shared his own tribute, remembering Rynagh’s “grace… talent… humour… integrity [and] patience”.
He added: “Irish theatre got a lot darker today.”
Fellow Abbey Theatre performer Bill Murphy also paid his respects on social media, 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.”
As well as acting on stage and screen, Rynagh also began directing in the 1990s.
Her final on-screen appearance was in the 2019 superhero comedy Supervized.
