Tributes have been paid to the award-winning actress Anna Manahan, who died at the weekend at the age of 84.
The Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Martin Cullen, 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 Chair of the Arts Council, Pat Moylan, said: "The Council is deeply saddened at the passing of Anna Manahan. Anna was a consummate professional, with the art of theatre acting in her bones.
"Her work brought pleasure to audiences throughout Ireland and the world, and she will be sadly missed by all of her colleagues and friends in Irish theatre."
Garry Hynes, Artistic Director of Druid Theatre Company, said Anna Manahan was a true star of the theatre.
Born in Co Waterford, Anna Manahan trained at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and worked with many famous names, including Michael MacLiammoir and Hilton Edwards at The Gate.
She went on to become an internationally recognised actress on stage, television and film.
Her television roles included parts in 'The Riordans', 'The Irish RM' and 'Fair City', while her extensive stage work included 'Big Maggie', which was written for her by John B Keane.
She was nominated for a Tony Award 1969 and won a Tony in 1998 for her part as Mag in Martin McDonagh's 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane'.
In her eighties she continued to tour and perform.
She had recently spoken out on the rights of elderly people and was a patron of Active Retirement Ireland.
Tragically widowed in her early thirties, she never remarried, and had been living with her brothers in Co Waterford.
She was granted the Freedom of Waterford city in 2002.
