The veteran Irish actor and comedian Niall Tóibín has died aged 89.
His family says he died in Dublin early today after a long illness.
Born in Cork in 1929, Niall Tóibín had a long career across radio, stage, film and television.
He was well-known for his role in the 1990s BBC drama Ballykissangel, in which he played Fr Frank "Mack" MacAnally across all six seasons.
His film career, meanwhile, included roles in films such as Veronica Guerin, Ryan's Daughter and the classic Irish language film Poitín.
Irish and James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan(L) with Niall Tobin on the set of The Nephew being filmed in Roundwood Co Wicklow. 10/12/1996 Photo: RollingNews.ieOn stage, he performed in the original production of Lovers by Brian Friel at The Gate Theatre, and played Brendan Behan in the original adaptation of Borstal Boy at the Abbey Theatre and on Broadway.
Mr Tóibín received a number of honours over the course of his life, including an IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and the freedom of Cork city in 2015.
President Michael D Higgins said he learned of the actor's death with sadness.
He said in a statement: "The range of his work was vast and included unforgettable performances in all of the Irish theatres and some of the most important theatres in London and New York.
"While a huge audience will have adored his comic genius, his work included all the genres – stage, television, film and radio.
"To the latter he brought a distinctive voice which made him a much-loved interpreter of Irish life and its challenges."
Paying tribute to Mr Tóibín, actor Gavin O'Connor called the late actor a "wonderful mentor" and "a legend".
What a wonderful mentor Niall Tóibín was to me during Borstal Boy. Taking me out on stage before performance to working on delivery and comic timing. He unashamedly treated me differently because I was from Cork and hadn’t a clue. I learned a lot. A legend. Rest In Peace a Chara. pic.twitter.com/qkbwlEfYZ2
— Gavin O'Connor (@gavinoconnor) November 13, 2019
Cork Councillor Des Cahill, meanwhile, said: "Thanks for all the smiles you put on so many faces Niall."
Niall Tóibín is predeceased by his wife Judy, and survived by his five children and seven grandchildren.
