'Comic genius' Frank Twomey 'spread joy and happiness wherever he went', funeral hears 

Emotional tributes were paid to the performer at his funeral Mass

Frank Twomey was known to generations for his work on Bosco.

The radio, TV and stage actor, writer and producer Frank Twomey has been remembered as a versatile, inventive comic genius who spread joy and happiness wherever he went, and whose legacy is assured.

The emotional tribute was paid by his long-time friend and collaborator, Packie O’Callaghan, who delivered a eulogy during the Requiem Mass for Mr Twomey at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Cork City on Thursday.

Mr Twomey, who starred in children's TV show Bosco in the 1980s, had a long and distinguished career in TV, theatre and radio. He died in hospital in Cork on Monday following a long illness. He was 68.

Frank Twomey's coffin leaves North Cathedral, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

Originally from Cathedral Road on the northside of the city, and who lived in Blackrock, Mr Twomey played many roles over the course of his long career, which spanned from the 1980s to recent months.

He was known to generations for his work on Bosco, which was screened in the 1980s, and was on repeat until 1998. While still known as "the man from Bosco", he went on to star in many other productions.

He famously satirised then-public enterprise Minister Mary O'Rourke in Alf McCarthy’s Short Circuit, which morphed into Bull Island. He also appeared on trailblazing RTÉ comedy Nighthawks, and he was the dame of the Everyman's annual Christmas pantomime for several years.

He wrote and performed with Mr O’Callaghan for 27 years, including comedy sketches for Cork’s 96FM breakfast show, which formed the basis for their very popular Santa Ponsa trilogy. It was staged at the Everyman, and they toured nationally for five years.

Frank Twomey on an early episode of Bosco with Mary Garrioch.

He was also a regular with Mr O’Callaghan on Liveline’s Funny Friday shows on RTÉ Radio One. His last performance on the show was in Belfast in September.

Mr O'Callaghan said despite Frank's ailing health, his “indomitable spirit rose as it always did to the occasion” and he delivered his “usual stellar performance” that day.

Speaking from the altar on Thursday, Mr O’Callaghan began by apologising to Frank for “this unearthly hour of the morning”.

“One thing he could never be accused of was being an early riser,” he quipped.

Packie O'Callaghan at the requiem mass for his friend Frank Twomey. Picture Dan Linehan

“I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that Frank Twomey was a comic genius. He was the most versatile, inventive, creative person I ever met. And by a long chalk, he was the funniest.

“Frank is of course remembered by generations of Irish kids, many of whom now have their own kids, for being Bosco’s friend. And he was brilliant in that deceptively simple role.

“ Bosco went out on RTÉ for an incredible 400 episodes. Frank and his life-long friend Paula Lambert subsequently toured the live show throughout the country with great success.

'Happiest among his own'

“While in Dublin, Frank shared the stage with some of the giants of Irish theatre, among them Liam Neeson, the late Ray McNally, John Kavanagh and not forgetting Cork’s own Joe Lynch.

“I heard Catherine Mahon Buckley, a very astute judge of actors’ talents say in the last few days that Frank could have been an international star. I share that view.

“Who knows where his brilliance would have taken him if he hadn’t succumbed to the magnetic pull of his beloved northside and returned to his native Cork. He told me once that he was just happiest among his own.” 

A message of condolence for the late Frank Twomey from Joe Duffy and the Liveline Team. Picture: Dan Linehan

Mr O'Callaghan said the late and legendary Billa (Bill O’Connell) said of Frank that he was the “best panto dame” he ever saw, reprising the role over many years at his beloved Everyman Theatre.

“Frank was a gifted and hugely versatile performer across so many genres of show business — from song and dance man to serious actor to comedian to stand-up artist,” he said.

“But outstanding as Frank was as a performer, I believe his greatest talent was as a writer.

“Frank wrote countless classic strips, most of which were inspired by his observations of daily life on the streets of his beloved Cork.

Comedian and singer June Rodgers at the requiem mass for Frank Twomey. Picture: Dan Linehan

“Frank was a pro to his fingertips. He had that vital ingredient common to most great performers — humility.

“Although I know he would have been really chuffed to have made the Nine O'Clock News during the week, having said that, Frank hadn’t the slightest interest in stardom, much less celebrity.

For Frank, it was always always about the performance, about the now.

“He never looked back on earlier achievements or basked in the warm glow of past glories.” 

Mr O'Callaghan said Mr Twomey's passing leaves a huge void but he would be remembered with extraordinary fondness, his legacy assured.

“Frank spread joy and happiness wherever he went,” he said.

Packie O'Callaghan and Frank Twomey.

“He was gifted with a wonderful child-like innocence. Frank grew old but he refused to grow up. Farewell old pal. Slán abhaile.” 

Mourners were led Mr Twomey's brothers, Maurice and Denis.

In his eulogy, Denis thanked the staff at CUH who cared for his brother, and all those who have sympathised with them since Monday.

He recalled how Frank’s skills at mimicry were evident from an early age and, as a child, Frank took great delight in going to the local phone box, and phoning the family home pretending to be one of his grandmother Maggie Cambridge’s friends, and asking for her.

“Frank was convincing and it took a few occasions before the penny dropped," he said.

Actor Shane Casey at the requiem mass for Frank Twomey. Picture: Dan Linehan

He said their late father encouraged Frank to follow his dreams and audition for Bosco.

“And the rest, they say, is history. Little did Frank know that forever more he would be referred to as ‘the man from Bosco’,” he said.

“We were immensely proud of Frank. He was grateful for the Bosco break but accomplished much more across all media.

“He was a loving and loyal person who was great company. In recent years, Frank battled with health issues and rallied twice in the last year. Sadly this time it was not to me.” He finished his eulogy with the ‘magic door’ rhyme from Bosco.

“I am sure that brings laughter to all those in heaven,” he said.

Before reading the first reading, Alf McCarthy joked: “This is one Mass Johnny Depp couldn’t make so they asked me to do a reading today.” 

Paying tribute to Mr Twomey’s work, he said: “He had a wonderful ability to communicate with people. He was a tremendous actor. He did everything. He did pantomime. He did straight drama, musicals. He did it all but he did it so well. When I think of him, I have been smiling. Do you know Frank, you will always make me smile.” 

 Among the gifts brought to the altar to symbolise Mr Twomey’s loves and passions in life were a radio, a pair of high heels and a pair of tights.