Fair City cast members past and present have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late actor Karl Shiels who has died aged 47.
Shiels arrived in Fair City in 2014 as "the formidable" Robbie Quinn and made a huge impression on Carrigstown over the years.
In a statement, his colleagues said he "always brought such warmth, talent and humour to Carrigstown.
"Gone too soon. Thank you for everything, Karl. Rest in Peace."
From our @RTEFairCity colleagues: "Joining Fair City in 2014, Karl Shiels made his mark immediately playing the formidable Robbie Quinn and always brought such warmth, talent and humor to Carrigstown."
— RTÉ (@rte) July 15, 2019
Gone too soon. Thank you for everything, Karl. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/vkcFJeGO6D
Actress Jenny Dixon, who played Kerri-Ann on Fair City, was among those paying tribute to Shiels on Twitter, writing: "Very sad news. A big character on & off screen. A lovable rogue & heart of gold.
"Always there with a hug & kind words. Can't believe I'm writing this. It was an honour to work with you & to know you as a friend. My thoughts & prayers.. you’re missed already Karl Shiels."
Very sad news. A big character on & off screen. A lovable rogue & heart of gold. Always there with a hug & kind words. Can't believe I’m writing this. It was an honour to work with you & to know you as a friend. My thoughts & prayers.. you’re missed already Karl Shiels 💔💛✨x pic.twitter.com/dCLu2FVfhZ
— Jenny Dixon (@JennyleeDixon) July 15, 2019
Rachel Carson Pilkington, who plays Jane on the soap, said he was a "very talented actor with the sharpest wit & an ability to make me laugh until I was in tears".
"I'll miss him so much", she added.
I've known #KarlShiels since I was 18. We trained together for 2 yrs at The Gaiety School of Acting & worked together on #FairCity for several years.
— Rachel Carson Pilkington 🌱✨ (@RCPilkington) July 15, 2019
A very talented actor with the sharpest wit & an ability to make me laugh until I was in tears.
I'll miss him so much 💔
Lee Collins actor Dave Kelly tweeted that he is "heartbroken at the news".
He wrote: "I'll miss you trying to make me laugh before a take. You brought great talent and life to the set everyday. For all them little bits of wisdom you shared, thank you."
Heartbroken at the news. I'll miss you trying to make me laugh before a take. You brought great talent and life to the set everyday. For all them little bits of wisdom you shared, thank you. Be good Robbie ❤️ @KarlShiels #karlshiels
— Dave Kelly (@DavekellyDave) July 15, 2019
Eric Lalor, who played Cathal on the soap, said he is "absolutely stunned and heartbroken" at the loss of his "great friend."
Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear of the death of Karl Shiels. A hugely gifted actor and a really great friend, I will miss him so much. Thinking of his gorgeous family, may he Rest In Peace 💔
— Eric Lalor (@ericlalor) July 15, 2019
Clelia Murphy, who played long-running character Niamh Cassidy on Fair City, said "there really are no words."
There really are no words, RIP @KarlShiels #onwards xxx
— Clelia Murphy (@clelia_murphy) July 15, 2019
Former Fair City actor Emmet Kelly wrote on Twitter: "He was brilliant to me on my first day on Fair City.
"He showed me around and explained how things run. He ran a great theatre that gave a lot of us a start to showcase our work. He will be missed.
Just heard about the untimely passing of Karl Shiels. Far too young. He was brilliant to me on my first day on Fair City. He showed me around and explained how things run. He ran a great theatre that gave a lot of us a start to showcase our work. He will be missed.
— Emmet Kelly (@EmmetSeanKelly) July 15, 2019
Former co-star Johnny Ward tweeted: "Completely stunned and brokenhearted to hear of this absolute gent.
"This man had the most incredible photographic memory and could look at a script once and he would be able to deliver. A true legend. RIP Karl. You will be missed."
Completely stunned and broken hearted to hear of the passing of this absolute Gent.
— Johnny Ward (@JohnnyWard7) July 15, 2019
This man had the most incredible photographic memory and could look at a script once and he would he able to deliver.
A true legend.
RIP Karl.
You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/IAEm3i54sv
