The parish priest of Avoca, Co Wicklow, the real-life location of the BBC series Ballykissangel, led the tributes yesterday at the funeral in Dublin of the actor Tony Doyle.
The Very Rev Dan Breen told mourners in Terenure College Chapel that it was a sad day for him, for the people of Avoca, and for all those attending. But it was also a privilege to be there, to celebrate the life of a fine actor and a loving person who had helped all who knew him on their journeys through life.
"I always felt better after meeting him; he had that effect on people," Father Breen said. Mr Doyle's friends and family were joined by many colleagues from film, theatre and television for the service, which also featured tributes from RTE's managing director (television), Mr Joe Mulholland, and the actor Niall Toibin.
Mr Mulholland said: "Length of days is not what makes age honourable, but Tony's life was too short." Although he died at the pinnacle of his career, "he had so much more to give. It was not to be, and a huge void has been left in theatre, television, the cinema, and of course in his family".
Mr Toibin, described by the chief celebrant, Father J. Linus Ryan O Carm, as "someone very special in Tony's life", said his friend's death was a "sad, unexpected amendment" to a brilliant career. He had been "so familiar to so many from a series of effortlessly flawless performances" that his name over time became a guarantee of quality.
One of Mr Doyle's sons, Christopher, fought tears as he spoke of five days spent in Dublin with his father a year ago, their longest period together in 25 years and "a magical time". He added: "There's a saying that any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. He was a dad to six of us here, and I hope he is as proud of us as we are of him."
Actresses Tina Kelleher and Dearbhla Molloy were among those who gave readings at the service. There were also musical tributes from the piper Liam O Floinn, and from David Agnew of the RTE Symphony Orchestra, playing the oboe. Mr Doyle's brother, Des, gave a message of thanks to all those who attended.
As well as his six children, the chief mourners included the late actor's wife, Sally. The acting world was represented by a large attendance, including Stephen Tompkinson, Stephen Rea, Brenda Fricker, Tom Hickey, Brendan Gleeson, Jimmy Nesbitt, Ruth McCabe, Ger Ryan, Bosco Hogan, Jim Bartley, Owen Roe and Ali White.
Mourners also included the director-general of RTE, Mr Bob Collins; the artistic director of the Abbey Theatre, Mr Ben Barnes; his immediate predecessor, Mr Patrick Mason; the Riverdance producers, Mr John McColgan and Ms Moya Doherty; the playwright, Mr Billy Roche; and journalists John Waters and Hugh Linehan. In keeping with theatrical tradition, the late actor was applauded as the hearse left the church for Glasnevin Crematorium.
