Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Irish actor Jer O’Leary, who was known for his portayal of James Larkin Mark Stedman

'Generous, intelligent, larger than life': Tributes paid to actor Jer O'Leary following his death

The folklorist and activist was best known for his stage role as trade union leader Jim Larkin.

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to the Dublin actor Jer O’Leary, following the announcement of his death.

The folklorist and activist was best known for his stage role as trade union leader Jim Larkin as well as a number of screen performances.

He rose to prominence in Margaretta D’Arcy and John Arden’s 1975 play The Non-Stop Connolly Show, and later starred in The Risen People.

He also starred in dozens of films, including The Field, Michael CollinsIn The Name of the Father, Braveheart and My Left Foot while his television roles included Game of Thrones and Ballykissangel.

News of O’Leary’s death attracted sympathy from across the political spectrum.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald called him a “generous, intelligent and larger-than-life personality” and said Dublin would not be the same without him.

O’Leary’s friend, the former Labour TD Joe Costello, called him a “great actor and great character” who brought history to life, while Fianna Fáil Arts, Culture and Heritage spokeswoman Niamh Smyth expressed sadness at news of his death.

Meanwhile, SIPTU deputy general secretary, Ethel Buckley expressed her condolences to O’Leary’s family, citing his “immense contribution to the culture of trade unionism in Ireland” through his artistic endeavours.

“His work will live on and continue to inspire future generations of trade union activists,” Buckley added.

According to The Irish Times, O’Leary was predeceased by his wife Eithne and son Diarmuid, and survived by his daughters Norah and Clare and sisters Margaret and Carmel.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:04 PM

    For anybody that has never heard his reenactment of James Connollys last statement, have a listen to this. It’s done with such passion you’d swear it was Connolly himself.. https://youtu.be/EyfSfq-ij34

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hybrid Moments
    Favourite Hybrid Moments
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:17 PM

    I went to school with his son, Diarmuid. A great Celtic man too. Very sad news and another one taken too soon.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute andyearley
    Favourite andyearley
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:19 PM

    @Hybrid Moments: I knew diamuid as a kid too. Sad he died so young.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Garland
    Favourite David Garland
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:42 PM

    @Hybrid Moments: Was it Diarmuid who died in a fire in Glasgow the night Celtic won the league in 1998 stopping Rangers doing the 10 in a row

    37
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute andyearley
    Favourite andyearley
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:48 PM

    @David Garland: unfortunately it was yes.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Quentin Moriarty
    Favourite Quentin Moriarty
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:38 PM

    Not all great and natural actors get worldwide recognition .

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute shellakybooky
    Favourite shellakybooky
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 5:40 PM

    @Quentin Moriarty: very true..

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Fennell
    Favourite Patrick Fennell
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 7:07 PM

    A man of the people, raconteur, socialist.the world has lost a true gael.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Conway
    Favourite Sean Conway
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 6:47 PM

    Saw him pay tribute to jim larkin on the 100th anniversary of the lockouts. brilliant. RIP

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute European Bob
    Favourite European Bob
    Report
    Dec 27th 2018, 6:06 PM

    Met Jer on a couple of occasions, a genuine and very likeable guy. May he rest in peace.

    31
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds