Ireland woke up to the sad news this morning that legendary comedian Brendan Grace has passed away at the age of 68.
Born in 1951, Brendan was raised in Dublin’s Liberties area before going on to become one of the country’s most well-known entertainers. His schoolboy Bottler was perhaps his most famous act and he is also fondly remembered for his star turn as the brilliantly obnoxious Father Fintan Stack in Father Ted.
In recent weeks, news emerged that Brendan had been diagnosed with cancer and since the news of his death broke today, people have been sharing their memories of the much-loved comedian online.
RIP Brendan Grace. A comedy legend. Always remembered watching my dad laugh his head off watching him on the tv when I was a kid. 🙏🏻
— Stephen Elliott (@SleevesElliott) July 11, 2019
Later, after he had finished on air, he passed the sports desk on his way out… but then doubled back, stuck his head around the partition and said: "Bye, girls… pair of wankers!"
We giggled like school kids for the rest of the day.
RIP
— Paul Dollery (@PaulDollery) July 11, 2019
Brought onto stage at a Bottler show as a kid. Discovering later that it was the microphone that made my voice go funny and not the ‘magic beans’ didn’t take away from the magic of it all. Standout childhood memory. RIP Brendan Grace.
— Neil O'Riordan (@noriordan) July 11, 2019
So sad to hear of the passing of Brendan Grace, oh how we laughed at his comedy in my house growing up. I always remember when I was little my Mam telling me that Brendan had a daughter called Amanda too which I loved to hear. Thinking of his Amanda and all his family today. RIP
— Amanda Fennelly (@amandafennelly) July 11, 2019
RIP Brendan Grace ,this man made Ireland laugh for as long as I can remember and will be missed by all Dubliners and Irish people #brendangrace
— Dave Miley (@mileydavid) July 11, 2019
I think Brendan Grace was maybe the first comedian I was ever aware of, listening to tapes of him with my cousins when I was a kid
— Conall (@luigii249) July 11, 2019
I grew up watching my Grandad MC Brendan Grace’s comedy show in the Red Cow. Definitely too young to be in the room, watching the craic unfold. Bottler was my favourite 🥰 My thoughts are with his family and all his dear friends. Thank you for the memories, I will cherish them ❤️
— Nadia Forde (@NadiaForde) July 11, 2019
Very sad to hear about the passing of Brendan Grace. Growing up in Ireland we had no tv but had plenty cassette tapes of his comedy and music. Never got old, never failed to raise a laugh. RIP thanks for the entertainment and the memories #Irishlegend #bottler
— Jo Gammage (@Jo_Gammage) July 11, 2019
RIP Brendan Grace
“While you were out, I got the keys to your car and drove it into a big wall and if you don't like it, tough! I've had my fun, and that's all that matters”
– Fr Fintan Stack; Father Ted pic.twitter.com/alEI50cCQv
— Áine Flynn (@AinesFlynn) July 11, 2019
Brendan is survived by his wife Eileen as well as his children and grandchildren.
