TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Moira Hoey (88) (née Deady), star of the long-running RTÉ drama The Riordans, who died yesterday.
She played Mary Riordan, wife of Tom, in The Riordansfrom 1965 to 1979.
She later played Nellie Connors in replacement rural soap opera Glenroe.
Her film credits include Angela's Ashes, in which she played moneylender Mrs Purcell.
Minister for Culture Mary Hanafin said she had “captured the hearts of Ireland” in her role as Mary Riordan.
“No matter what the issue being aired on screen was about, Mary would always act as the calming influence where friction arose, and once the tea was made, all would work out for the good.”
RTÉ director general Cathal Goan described her as a “persuasive, moving, entertaining and wonderfully convincing” actor.
Actor Tom Hickey, who played Benjy, paid tribute to his on-screen mother.
“As for Moira Deady the woman, she was simply a joy to work with. We had many, many laughs working together. She had the most infectious and vibrant sense of humour. She was a wonderful woman.”
