Well-known Irish actor, director, and playwright Donal Courtney has passed away after a short illness at the age of 52.
Donal, known by his nickname Donie, was well known in the world of acting and was the son of former Killarney councillor Michael Courtney - who passed away in 2010.
The talented 52-year-old was from Killarney, in Co Kerry, and graduated from the Gaiety School of Acting back in 1991 before pursuing a very successful career.
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He also studied Theatre Practice in Maynooth University and was awarded a Master’s Degree.
He featured in popular TV projects like 'The Tudors', 'Fair City', 'Acceptable Risk', 'Maru' and 'Cutting Grass'.
He also appeared in many plays, including 'The Importance of Being Earnest', 'Philadelphia, here I come!', 'The Man from Clare' and 'Waiting for Godot'.
He had joined forces with Hollywood actor Michael Fassbender - with whom he was friends - to set up the West End House School of Arts in Killarney.
Tributes have been pouring in for the star with the mayor of Killarney Marie Moloney remembering him as a “wonderfully gifted actor and drama coach and a very proud and accomplished Killarney man.”
She said: “His passion, commitment and dedication to his craft was so evident as he worked so enthusiastically alongside the young students and they learned so much from him.
“The Courtney family, of course, is steeped in local politics in Killarney with Donie’s late father, Michael, and his brothers, Hugh and Paddy, all serving on the former Killarney Town Council with distinction,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society said that they were saddened to hear of Donal’s passing.
In a statement released today in light of the news, they wrote: "It was with great shock and sadness that we heard yesterday of the untimely passing of our dear friend Donie Courtney, renowned drama coach, playwright, producer, director and performer.
"The members of the Memorial Society will greatly miss Donie – a true friend of the Society, using his great creative talent to help us spread awareness in a most unique way.
“To his wife Adeline and his two young children and to his siblings and the wider Courtney family, we extend our deepest Sympathies and sincere Condolences. A master dramatist has left us, but his legacy remains,” they continued.
Donal’s funeral arrangements will be confirmed in the coming days.
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