Tributes to much-loved ‘Big Maggie’

THE remains of award-winning actress Anna Manahan were last night removed to the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, prior to her burial today.

Representatives from the local and national entertainment industry, along with figures from the political world, joined the public to pay their respects.

Ms Manahan, 84, a much-lauded actress who was appointed patron of Active Retirement Ireland in November, died in the city over the weekend.

Born in Lombard Street, Waterford, in 1924, she trained at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and began a career in theatre in the 1940s. Her stage work included her portrayal of Big Maggie, which was written for her by John B Keane.

Ms Manahan was nominated for a Tony Award in 1969 for her role in Brian Friel’s Lovers, while in 1998 she won the award for her portrayal on Broadway as Mag Folan in Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Her work in Irish television extended to parts in The Riordans, The Irish RM and, more recently, as Ursula in Fair City. In 2001 she starred in Keane’s The Matchmaker with veteran actor Des Keogh.

In 2005 she starred in Sisters, a play by Declan Hassett which was also written for her. The production toured Ireland and was staged at the International Festival of World Theatre in Colorado.

She appeared in films starring with, among others, Laurence Olivier, Peter Cushing, Kenneth More, Maggie Smith, Albert Finney and Brenda Fricker.

She was bestowed with the Freedom of Waterford City in 2002 and lived at her home in Lombard Street with her brothers, Joe and Val, prior to her death.

Ms Manahan will be laid to rest at St Mary’s Cemetery in Ballygunner following Requiem Mass at the cathedral at noon today. Requests are for “family flowers only” while donations can be made to St Patrick’s Hospital in Waterford City.