Cork remembers Billa

Cork remembered panto legend Billa O’Connell this week, with the Lord Mayor leading the tributes at a special performance of Cork Opera House’s panto, Nanny Nellie’s Adventures in Pantoland.

The late Cork actor and comedian Billa O'Connell with his wife Nell after being conferred with the Freedom of the City of Cork by Cork City Council.

The much-loved performer, known affectionately throughout Cork as ‘Billa’, passed away in September 2021 at the age of 91.

At a special pre-show gathering for the O’Connell family, Cork’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Colm Kelleher, presented Billa’s family with Cork City Council’s book of condolences.