Mourning For Passing Of Irish Star

One of the country's leading actresses, Anna Manahan, has died at the age of 84 following a long illness.

The award-winning performer, who died yesterday, will be laid to rest in her home county of Waterford on Wednesday.

Anna Manahan began her long career in a Tennessee Williams play in 1957, before going on to grace many major Irish soaps and developing an esteemed theatre career.

She won the Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as the exasperating, doomed mother, "Mag", in Martin McDonagh's The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

She was granted the freedom of the city of Waterford in 2002 in recognition of her life's achievement in the arts.

Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen expressed his sympathy on her death. He said: "When people talk about great influential Irish actresses they talk of Anna Manahan. That is a testament to her talent.

"The way she shared her talent and creative spirit with others was one of her greatest gifts to all of us during the course of her life."

The Active Retirement Association of which she was the Patron said that it learned of her passing with deep sadness.

Anna Manahan became patron of Active Retirement last year. She was a member of the Waterford branch, where she helped to establish the Golden Years' Festival.

The Chief Executive of Active Retirement, Maureen Kavanagh, said: "Our deepest sympathy goes to Anna's family and many close friends. Anna’s loss will be felt throughout the Active Retirement Association: she was always brimming with enthusiasm and energy.

"Her positive approach to life in retirement was an example and inspiration to so many of our members. Anna will be sorely missed."

(DW/BMcC)