Dara O Briain leads tributes to Father Ted’s Brendan Grace

Dara O Briain and the President of Ireland have led tributes to Brendan Grace after he died aged 68.
The ‘Father Ted’ star – who played Father Fintan Stack in the Channel 4 sitcom – passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning (11.07.19) surrounded by his family, just 10 days after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Several stars have paid tribute to the late actor, including Dara, who praised him as a "genuine comedy legend".
He wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear the news of the death of Brendan Grace. A genuine comedy legend in Ireland, when we were growing up he was the king of the entertainers. Sorry I never met him, but relieved I never had to follow him. RIP Brendan."
Irish president Michael D. Higgins recalled Brendan’s "spontaneous wit and his sense of timing", and admitted he felt "privileged" to have known the actor.
He said in a statement: "I have learned with great sadness of the death of Brendan Grace, singer and comedian.
"As a comedian Brendan’s spontaneous wit and his sense of timing, his obvious delighting in interaction with his audiences, meant that Brendan’s sense of humour was drawing from, and itself a profound contribution to, the deep wellspring of Irish wit.
"His best-loved characters will endure, precisely because they are both recognisable and representative of the experiences lived and recalled by Irish people of all ages.
"It was a privilege to know him, and a pleasure to meet Brendan as recently as the 5th of June last, when he accompanied The Forget Me Nots choir to a Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin.
"As President of Ireland, I express my deepest condolences to his wife Eileen, his children Bradley, Melanie, Brendan and Amanda, and to his wider family and his friends, and all who valued his acuity and sharp sense of humour."
‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ creator and lead star Brendan O’Carroll thanked Grace for "opening doors" for many others.
He tweeted: "So sad at the passing of a great comedy legend, husband and father #brendangrace He opened doors for so many of us and leaves a legacy of love and laughter that will echo through this land and we will all mourn his passing. Rest peacefully Bottler you’ve earned it. (sic)"
Earlier this month, it was revealed Brendan had cancelled his summer tour after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis while he was getting treatment in hospital for pneumonia.
A spokesperson said: "Brendan Grace has been in hospital for the last four weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia.
"It has now transpired that he is also suffering from cancer for which he is receiving ongoing care and treatment.
"His family are a great support to him at this difficult time and respect for their privacy would be much appreciated."
As well as acting, Brendan was also a singer and he topped the Irish charts with his hit ‘Combine Harvester’ one year before The Wurzels made the song even more famous when they had a UK number one with their version in 1976.