One of Ireland’s most well-known actors, Mick Lally, has passed away. The actor, known best to Irish television audiences for his long-running role as Miley Byrne in ‘Glenroe’, died this morning, aged 64, after a short illness.
Mick Lally’s other film projects included voice work on the Oscar nominated feature animation, ‘The Secret of Kells’ as Brother Aidan along with roles in ‘Circle of Friends’ and ‘Alexander’.
Born in Tourmakeady, Co Mayo, Lally began his career as a teacher before securing theatrical roles and, along with Garry Hynes and Marie Mullen., becoming a founder member of the Druid Theatre Company. In 1979, he won a Jacob's Award for his performance as Miley in ‘Bracken’ a role which he then continued in the long-running Irish series, ‘Glenroe’.
He also starred in the BBC television series, ‘Ballykissangel’, and in the award-winning film ‘Ballroom of Romance’. He was furthermore a fluent Irish speaker and an advocate of the language, appearing in the Irish language series ‘Ros na Rún’. He recently finished a stint in the Tivoli theatre in a production of ‘The Matchmaker’ where he starred alongside his on-screen ‘Glenroe’ wife, Mary McEvoy.
Tributes have poured in for Mick from across the country. An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, said of his work: "I was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Mick Lally. He was one of the most loved actors of his generation and will be dearly missed by the public and his colleagues in theatre and television.
"Versatile in both the Irish and English languages, his genius at capturing and portraying the essence of the characters he played brought him wide popular and critical acclaim. Our sympathies are with his wife Peige, three children Saileog, Maghnus and Darach and his parents. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Mick's agent, Teri Hayden also expressed her sadness at the passing of the actor, telling IFTN: "Mick was a client and a friend for over 20 years and a more thoughtful, intelligent person you could not wish to meet. The best way you could describe Mick would be to say he was a gentle man.
"Mick's death is a loss to the industry and the country at large. He was a special man and was loved by everyone. We at The Agency are greatly saddened at his passing."
Mary Hanafin TD Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport extended her heartfelt sympathy on the death of Mick Lally, to his wife Peggy and their children saying: “Mick Lally’s contribution to the theatrical world has been immense. Whether he was voicing Keane, Synge or indeed Burrows, his was a distinctive, inimitable contribution to our stage and screen craft. His wonderful ability to communicate with his audiences whether in
the intimate setting in the early days of Druid, on stage in the National Theatre or in the sitting rooms of homes every Sunday for over 10 years playing the character of Miley in 'Glenroe', Mick Lally was an integral part of the world of acting and, by extension, our society.
"His rich distinctive tones were at home too in the Irish language and theatre goers from the Abbey to the Taibhdhearc will have wonderful memories of the man from Tourmakeady. A testimony to his prowess as an actor was that he could resonate across the generations – with the theatre community, the television and film world and, with very notable success, with the young generation of 'The Secret of Kells', this year’s Oscar nominee. Mick was a versatile actor and although associated forever with Miley, was never one to be typecast.
"I know that the theatrical world is in deep mourning today, and that his loss is enormous not just for his wife Peggy, their children Saileog, Darach and Maghnus and extended family but also for the community of artists who tread the boards and for whom Mick Lally was an iconic role model."
She conlcuded her statement with the words: "Bhí gaeilge den scoth aige agus grá doimhin aige do gach rud gaelach. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann for he is truly a one off. Ar Dheis láimh Dé go raibh a anam."
Glen Killane, Managing Director of RTÉ Television, also reacted to the news issuing the following statement: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of Mick Lally’s death this morning. He was, of course, renowned as a talented actor on stage and screen, particularly for his work as a founding member of Druid Theatre Company; in seminal features like ‘Ballroom of Romance’ and indeed in Hollywood blockbusters, including ‘Alexander’.
"It was however in the Wesley Burrowes-penned drama series 'Bracken' and 'Glenroe' that we worked with him most closely here in RTÉ Television. His role as Miley Byrne truly endeared him to the nation and brought him into people’s homes every Sunday evening over an 18-year period. His great skill as an actor was apparent in the pure, naturalistic believability of the loveable character which he inhabited and made his own.
"On behalf of RTÉ I’d like to pay tribute to Mick and how he enriched our lives through his contribution to Irish radio, television and Irish life. Our sincere sympathy to Mick’s wife Peige, his three children and his parents on his passing."
Finally NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, paid tribute to the graduate of the University, saying: “The University offers its sincere condolences to Mick’s family, many friends, and colleagues. Mick Lally was an outstanding actor of his generation, perhaps of any generation. We truly valued him as a graduate. His national and international reputation earned him the status as an icon of Irish theatre. An Irish speaker who served his native Mayo and country with complete commitment, it is our pleasure to have him associated with this University, Mick will be remembered fondly”.
"In 1975 following from a successful summer of drama productions, three budding actors from the then UCG Dramasoc Garry Hynes, Marie Mullen and Mick Lally founded Druid Theatre Company. Druid went on to become an award-winning theatre company of international renown. Mick Lally was conferred with an Honorary Master of Arts, honoris causa, Degree on 27 October, 1999."
