Stars turn out for removal of much-loved actress Potter
Garda outriders escorted the hearse carrying the remains of the 79-year-old to St Bridget’s Church in Killester, Dublin, where several hundred mourners had gathered to pay their respects.
The actor John Kelly, of Strumpet City fame, was at the church along with Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners and Twink, who performed on several occasions alongside the acknowledged queen of pantomime.
Frank Kelly who played Fr Jack in the comedy series Father Ted was also in attendance at the removal alongside his co-star Pauline McGlynn, aka Mrs Doyle.
Former Glenroe star Robert Carrickford came to pay his respects with Riverdance creators John McColgan and Moya Doherty and the hypnotist Paul Golden.
Minister for Arts and Culture John O’Donoghue represented the Government and among other politicians in attendance was lord mayor of Dublin Royston Brady.
Many paid their own personal tributes to the actress and comedienne, who died peacefully at her home in Clontarf in Dublin last Tuesday.
She is survived by her husband Jack and sons, John and Hugh. Although christened Maria Philomena, she like to be called by her preferred name, Maureen.
At the age of seven she had her first professional engagement and by 1935 was starring with Jimmy O’Dea, a partnership which was to last until his death 30 years later.
Three years ago Maureen Potter became the first star to place her handprints in the walk of fame outside her beloved Gaiety Theatre and last January she appeared on a special Late Late Show to mark the 100th anniversary of the Abbey Theatre.
Hundreds of celebrities are expected to attend her funeral which takes place after 10am mass today.
