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.

Abbey Theatre actress and Fr Ted star Rynagh O'Grady dies

O’Grady first appeared on the stage of Ireland’s National Theatre in 1969.

PastedImage-30032 Twitter / AbbeyTheatre Twitter / AbbeyTheatre / AbbeyTheatre

IRISH STAGE AND screen actress Rynagh O’Grady has passed away, the Abbey Theatre has confirmed.

O’Grady trained in the Abbey School of Acting and first appeared on the stage of Ireland’s National Theatre in 1969. 

The actor is perhaps best-known to wider audiences for her role as Mary O’Leary in Father Ted. She has also featured in films directed by Warren Beatty and Ron Howard. 

In a series of tweets today, the Abbey Theatre said: “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.”

Graham McLaren, director of the Abbey, wrote: 

Rynagh O Grady
>Her grace
Her talent
Her humour
Her integrity
Her patience
I’d sneak into the back row of the Abbey to watch her hush a hysterical audience with a look, then lead them through a speech full of heart, humanity & justiceIrish theatre got a lot darker today

PastedImage-68003 Twitter / Abbey Theatre Twitter / Abbey Theatre / Abbey Theatre

O’Grady’s own website lists the many productions she was part of, including working in London, Poland and the United States. 

Speaking about her role in Fr. Ted as one half of John and Mary, O’Grady wrote: 

“I was thrilled to play Mary O’Leary in Father Ted. Declan Lowney is one of the nicest directors I have worked with. Arthur and Graham wrote fantastic wacky scripts with this undercurrent of shocking truth. We recorded it in front of a live audience in London, which was good as it gave us something to bounce off.”

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
21 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 Wessss
    Favourite Wessss
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 2:45 PM

    RIP Mary

    438
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Feeney
    Favourite Eddie Feeney
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 10:35 PM

    She was in The Snapper also.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bevin Aislinn
    Favourite Bevin Aislinn
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 2:50 PM

    “Get them feckin crunchies out of the car” RIP.

    461
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Stafford
    Favourite Brian Stafford
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 2:51 PM

    You’ve a face on ya like a pair of t|ts!

    344
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Life in no motion
    Favourite Life in no motion
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:06 PM

    @Brian Stafford: At least that’s one pair between us

    222
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Treacy
    Favourite Sean Treacy
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:27 PM

    Ah How are ya Father

    168
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Miriam
    Favourite Miriam
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:15 PM

    Ahh loved her! Gave us a lot of laughs RIP

    154
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Ryan
    Favourite Sean Ryan
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:17 PM

    RIP Rynagh.

    Saw her in the Abbey a few times over the years. Always excellent.

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Insider at RTE
    Favourite Insider at RTE
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:37 PM

    She was my favourite secondary character in Fr. Ted. We all know wans like her. RIP

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Biddulph
    Favourite Alan Biddulph
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 2:48 PM

    Put the feckin crunchies in the car! RIP

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JustMeHere
    Favourite JustMeHere
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:00 PM

    @Alan Biddulph: That’s not the line.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Biddulph
    Favourite Alan Biddulph
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:47 PM

    @JustMeHere: I tried my best

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute In fairness now...
    Favourite In fairness now...
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:29 PM

    RIP. Brought a smile to many faces in her portrayal of Mary. Sad that she’s gone. February is not a good month for Fr Ted cast members.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ian Phillip Creaner
    Favourite Ian Phillip Creaner
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 4:00 PM

    Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alex Marquis
    Favourite Alex Marquis
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 4:53 PM

    Ah hello Father. Mary was just washing my head. She has these lovely soft hands.
    Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilís.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Orla Cosgrave
    Favourite Orla Cosgrave
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 4:16 PM

    l saw you a few times in the Abbey. You were absolutely brilliant in Dr Ted – Rest in Peace Rynagh

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rostyballs78
    Favourite Rostyballs78
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 5:23 PM

    “Don’t talk to me like that ya big pile of
    sh/€e”. What a character. Rest in peace Rynagh. Thanks for the giggles.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Brennan
    Favourite Peter Brennan
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 3:51 PM

    I don’t know what you’re talking about….you’re feckin worse….Oh Father you’re brilliant…Oh Father you should be Pope….Doesn’t impress him….makes me sick

    101
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mrs Doyle
    Favourite Mrs Doyle
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 6:15 PM

    Sleep tight Rynagh, and thank you for all the laughs

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Ross
    Favourite Ken Ross
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 5:50 PM

    Miss you Rynagh,what a shock ,thinking of you now Eamon .

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Graham
    Favourite Graham
    Report
    Feb 9th 2021, 6:41 PM

    John got her in the end!

    17
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