Tributes have been paid to Maureen Grant, the legendary member of staff at Dublin's Olympia Theatre, who has passed away at the age of 95.
The bar at the theatre is named Maureen's Bar in her honour. In a statement, the theatre said Maureen had been adored by staff members, artists, crew, and guests of the theatre for decades, and her loss will be felt far and wide.
The Olympia's full statement reads: "It is with very heavy hearts, that we must announce the passing of The Olympia's longest-standing, legendary staff member, Maureen Grant, on Wednesday 6th January 2021.
It is with very heavy hearts, that we must announce the passing of The Olympia's longest standing, legendary staff member, Maureen Grant, on Wednesday 6th January 2021. Condolences to the Grant family at this time, sending all our love. From all at The Olympia Theatre pic.twitter.com/p47Fv8DXE5
— The Olympia Theatre (@olympiatheatre) January 6, 2021
"As most of you will know, Maureen had been an integral part of the theatre since 1949, and all who encountered her were lucky to enjoy her warm welcome, her fascinating stories, her quick wit, and her sharp tongue. She has been adored by staff members, artists, crew, and guests of the theatre for decades, and her loss will be felt far and wide.
"She often joked that she would always be a part of the theatre as she planned to haunt it after she's gone, we've no doubt we will all be feeling her presence on Dame Street forever.
"Condolences to the Grant family at this time, sending all our love. May she rest in peace."
Here are some of the tributes to Maureen Grant:
So saddened to hear the queen of the Olympia Theatre Dublin Maureen Grant has passed away. Maureen was an amazing friend treated us like her own and always kept us in check, you will be sadly missed by many many people My Olympia Mammy 💔 pic.twitter.com/uwwuSRRrPe
— Mrs. Brown's Boys (@MrsBrownsBoys) January 6, 2021
Towards the end of 2018, we penned a song of Dublin heroes. One of our handpicked heroes was the Queen of the Olympia, the legendary Maureen Grant.
— The Pale (@thepalemusic) January 6, 2021
She was inspiring, witty, intriguing, uplifting.
Our thoughts and condolences are with her family.
Rest in peace Maureen,
The Pale pic.twitter.com/EGNh6JovS8
Really saddened to hear of Maureen Grant's passing. In 2014 I got to listen to her stories about the marriage ban, hiding her kids in the bar, the poltergeist who hung out in the womens changing rooms & lots more as part of this interview with @Maeverlene https://t.co/Rj1DqELHSI pic.twitter.com/VN3ioGpiRt
— Ruth Medjber 📸❤️🌙 (@ruthlessimagery) January 6, 2021
So saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen of the Olympia Theatre, Maureen Grant. We have no doubt we will all continue to feel your presence in the Olympia. Our thoughts are with your many friends and family. Christy, Billy, Joe, Alan, Rod & all in Aslan past & present. pic.twitter.com/JAjbocsbPW
— Aslan (@OfficialAslan) January 6, 2021
Sad to hear of the passing of the great Maureen Grant. Condolences to all her family and friends, as well as her @olympiatheatre family.
— Paul McLoone (@PMcLoone) January 6, 2021
I've always loved @olympiatheatre, it feels like home to me so I’m a little broken hearted today as The First Lady Of The Olympia Maureen Grant has passed away. Up in heaven now catching up with the Laurel & Hardy and all the other stars she loved and who loved her back! pic.twitter.com/l9DuQrLcD0
— Dustin The Turkey (@DustinOfficial) January 6, 2021
So sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Grant of Maureen's bar in the @olympiatheatre . I have many fond memories of laughs and stories with the lady of the Olympia herself. RIP. You’ll be sorely missed by all. pic.twitter.com/tbyHcLtNIG
— Keith Barry (@KeithpBarry) January 6, 2021
