The death has occurred of actress Moira Hoey, who was best known for her roles in the RTÉ TV series 'The Riordans' and 'Glenroe'. She was 88.
A native of Co Cork, Moira Hoey (née Deady) played Mary Riordan for many years in the Sunday night farm series and later played Nellie Connors in 'Glenroe'.
She also appeared in the films 'This is My Father' and 'Angela's Ashes'.
She died in Loughlinstown Hospital in Co Dublin this morning after a short illness.
Moira Hoey is survived by three daughters and a son.
Paying tribute to Moira Hoey, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin, said: "In her role as the matriarch of 'The Riordans' homestead, she was ever present, each Sunday, on our television screens dealing with the changing landscape and domestic issues that Ireland as a country was experiencing.
"No matter what the issue being aired on screen was about, Mary would always act as the calming influence where friction arose and once the tea was made, all would work out for the good."
The Minister added: "In 2009, the cast of 'The Riordans' reunited some 30 years after the last edition was made and I know that Moira thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with the crew and showing them her well-known and loved 'pinny'."
Cathal Goan, Director General of RTÉ, said: “It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Moira Deady (Hoey) this morning. Moira entertained the nation for 14 years playing Mary Riordan on 'The Riordans' from 1965 to 1979 and also went on to star in both 'Bracken' and 'Glenroe' thereafter."
"A hugely talented actress, as matriarch of The Riordans she was at the heart of the soap which centred on the fictional Kilkenny farming family. She was never less than persuasive, moving, entertaining and wonderfully convincing in a soap that broke taboos and attracted hundreds of thousands of loyal viewers week-in and week-out."
"On behalf of colleagues who had the pleasure of working directly with her, and those who have followed in her wake, benefiting from her great craft, I would like to express our sincere sympathy to her family, and many friends in the arts community in Ireland.”
Actor Tom Hickey, who played Benjy, Mary Riordan’s son in 'The Riordans', paid tribute to his on-screen mother, saying: "Mary Riordan was the archetypal mother. She was fierce in defence of her family."
"She was a wonderful mother who loved her family unconditionally but she could be stormy at times. That was hardly surprising though – she must hold the record for making the most cups of tea in Ireland!"
"As for Moira Deady the woman, she was simply a joy to work with. We had many many laughs working together. She had the most infectious and vibrant sense of humour. She was a wonderful woman.”
