The comedian and singer Brendan Grace has passed away aged 68.
He passed away after a short illness having recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.
His manager Tom Kelly stated: “Brendan Grace passed away peacefully early this morning at surrounded by his loving family.”
He added that Mr grace will “be fondly remembered by his legion of fans at home and abroad.”
An Irish showbiz veteran, Mr Grace enjoyed a lengthy career spanning over 50 years taking in music, stand-up comedy and acting.
Born in Dublin he started his career in a show band but later became better known as a standup comedian.
Grace has sold out at venues across the world, and was particularly popular in the UK and US where he lived.
In 1995, he starred in the Irish film Moondance, but his best-known roles were his comedy character Bottler and Father Fintan Stack in Fr Ted.
Last week, Mr Grace’s son-in-law – Frank Gillespie – called Liveline to tell Joe Duffy that Brendan wanted to thank all of his fans for all their well wishes since the news broke that the comedian was receiving treatment for lung cancer.
He is survived by his wife Eileen and their four children.
Paul McAuliffe, Lord Mayor of Dublin, confirmed that a Book of Condolence will be opened for the people of Dublin to pay their respects to their native son.
The Mansion House will be open to the public to sign the Book of Condolences on Thursday between midday and 5pm and on Friday from 10am to 5pm.
RTÉ have confirmed that they will screen the documentary ‘Brendan Grace – Funny Man’ in tribute to the comedian.
The documentary was originally shown in October 2018, to mark Mr Grace’s 50 years in the entertainment business.
Commenting, RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brendan Grace. Brendan was one of Ireland’s original funny men, and one of Irish comedy’s true pioneers.”
She added that he will be deeply missed.
“My thoughts and those of his many friends and fans across RTÉ are with his family and friends at this sad time.”