Brendan Grace

Brendan Grace April 1st 1951-July 11 2019 Aged 68 year.

It's with a heavy heart I write about one of Irelands greatest legends. A man who brought laughter and cheer into many home's and families around the world, yet still lived by his last name Grace. In his last weeks on earth he reminded people that he lived a beautiful and full life. Like others I've had the privilege of meeting Brendan more than once and he was always grateful to his fans for making him who he still is.


The legend, Brendan Grace, Bottler Murphy, Fr. Fintan Stack, Liberty boy or 'The man in Europe" who he was referred to by Frank Sinatra left us on July 11th 2019. By fate or coincidence his birth date could have not been more appropriate. Brendan was born in Dublin on April fools in 1951 He was raised in The liberties in Dublin, The city he so often sang and talked about. He left school at 13 and began his first act as a messenger boy. He would later start a show band before eventually pursuing his passion as a stand up comedian.

Brendan sold out venues across the globe, and was particularly popular in the UK, and the US where he lived. There was nothing he loved more than making people laugh. Much of his material was composed on a napkin or the back of a beer mat. In 1995, he starred in the Irish film Moondance, but his best-known roles were his comedy character Bottler and Father Fintan Stack in Fr Ted. When asked what was the secret to his successful marriage to his wife Eileen Doyle he once replied "We go on two dates a week…I go on Monday and she goes on Thursday"

Last week, Brendan's son-in-law – Frank Gillespie – called Liveline to tell Joe Duffy that Brendan wanted to thank all of his fans for all their well wishes since the news broke that Brendan was receiving treatment for lung cancer. Paul McAuliffe, Lord Mayor of Dublin, confirmed that a Book of Condolence will be opened for the people of Dublin to pay their respects to their native son.

In the words of Tom Kelly who was Brendans booking agent for 27 years Brendan will be remembered as "One of the greatest entertainers of this era, He gave a performance every night that merited the applause he received. He added "We look back with pride on Brendans lifetime. He was a a great family man, very close with them and was adored by his fans all over the world.


Brendan is survived by his wife Eileen, his children; Amanda, Melanie, Bradley and Brendan Patrick, his grandchildren;James, Patrick, and Aiden, sons-in-law Frank and Terry, daughter-in-law Christina, sister Marie, nephew Philippe and his beloved Aunt Wyn, relatives and friends.

A requiem mass will take place at 1pm on Monday July 15th at the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra, Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8, followed by a private cremation for family and friends. In lieu of flowers donation's may be made to Engaging Dementia.'

Edited and scripted by Clive Anderson of the Pelham "Life Celebration Home" Pelham NY and Paddy McCarthy of the Irish Examiner USA.