Tributes have flooded in for "terrific actor" Niall Tóibín following his passing at the age of 89 on Wednesday.
The actor, who is best known for his work on Borstal Boy, as well as playing Tom Cruise's father in Far & Away and Judge Ballaugh in Veronica Guerin, has been widely praised.
President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Tóibín and praised his "unforgettable performances in all of the Irish theatres".
Dee Forbes, Director-General, RTÉ, said Tóibín "became, ultimately, a familiar face on RTÉ to generations of Irish people."
"Niall Tóibín started acting in the 1950s and spent fourteen great years with the Radio Éireann Players. He became, ultimately, a familiar face on RTÉ to generations of Irish people."
"A proud Corkman, he was as at home in film as on the stage, and an especially entertaining guest on many Late Late Shows over the years. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
The Gate Theatre said they are "deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary actor Niall Tóibín".
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary actor Niall Tóibín.
— Gate Theatre (@GateTheatreDub) November 13, 2019
Niall originated the role of Andy in the Gate's production of Lovers by Brian Friel and performed in many of our productions over the years.
Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/b6xKEfumlR
Actress Victoria Smurfit, who starred in Ballykissangel alongside Tóibín, said the actor "kept us on our toes" on set every day.
Another great gone home. He kept us on our toes in #ballykissangel every day. A legend. A pro. A gent. A comedian. #NiallTobin Best love to the family. pic.twitter.com/POOim293Gd
— victoria smurfit (@VictoriaSmurfit) November 13, 2019
Former Mrs. Brown's Boys star and entertainer Rory Cowan hailed Tóibín as a "terrific actor".
Ah this is sad news. He was a terrific actor. I only met him once. When I told him my father was in the Trade Union movement he became very chatty. Turned out he was a big Trade Union/workers rights supporter https://t.co/l4UlHCF5Xf
— Rory Cowan (@1rorycowan) November 13, 2019
Actor Gavin O'Connor praised Tóibín for being a "wonderful mentor" and said he "learned a lot" working alongside him during Borstal Boy.
What a wonderful mentor Niall Tóibín was to me during Borstal Boy. Taking me out on stage before performance to working on delivery and comic timing. He unashamedly treated me differently because I was from Cork and hadn't a clue. I learned a lot. A legend. Rest In Peace a Chara. pic.twitter.com/qkbwlEfYZ2
— Gavin O'Connor (@gavinoconnor) November 13, 2019
Actor and writer Jonathan White said he owes his career to the Tóibín and said he "showed me the view from a Broadway stage & changed my world".
I owe my career to Niall Toibin. When I was 12, he showed me the view from a Broadway stage & changed my world. We play today beside The Loft where he began his acting life. This one's for him.
— Jonathan White (@liffeystynx) November 13, 2019
RIP a chara
The Irish Film Institute (IFI) said they are "very sorry" to hear about the passing of "the great" actor.
Everyone at the IFI is very sorry to hear about the passing of the great Niall Tóibín at the age of 89. RIP. https://t.co/DGPLr2ohYy
— Irish Film Institute (@IFI_Dub) November 13, 2019
Minister for Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, said Tóibín "was a uniquely talented performer, lighthearted, funny, sharp-witted and intensely powerful both as an actor and comedian."
Niall was a uniquely talented performer, light-hearted, funny, sharp-witted and intensely powerful both as an actor and comedian.
— ⚖️Josepha Madigan (@josephamadigan) November 13, 2019
He was hugely loved and respected by all who worked with him. My thoughts are with his children, grandchildren and many close friends. #nialltoibin pic.twitter.com/ZRv1tmS7Am
