Former Glenroe star Robert Carrickford has died

Robert Carrickford, who played Stephen Brennan on RTE's long running series Glenroe, has sadly passed away at the age of 88 following an illness. He is survived by his wife Mary, a daughter and two grandchildren.

The actor was one of the soap's most famous characters, starring in the show for eighteen years, and was one half of its most popular double act - Dinny and Stephen.

Dinny of course was played by Joe Lynch, who passed away in 2001, and as fans of Glenroe will know, it would have been rare to see one without the other propped up at the bar in Teasy's pub.

Carrickford was also known for his roles as Sinclair in Strumpet City, McCaffery in The Irish RM and Fogarty in The Ballroom of Romance, while he also starred in The Riordans, Bracken and Taffin.

On top of that, he served as president of Irish Actors Equity during the 1980s and 1990s, representing and lobbying for better pay and conditions for Irish actors.

Last night, President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the actor and extended his sympathies to his family;

"It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Robert Carrickford, the actor of Abbey Theatre and TV fame. For many, Robert will forever be the face of Stephen Brennan in the iconic Glenroe TV series, while others will fondly remember his long spell in various significant roles in the Abbey Theatre, as well as his performances in The Riordans and Bracken.

"In his capacity of President of the Irish Actors Equity, the trade union for stage actors and his contribution to the trade union movement, he left a lasting legacy for all those who perform in Ireland’s theatres and screens.

“To his family and friends, Sabina and I send our deepest sympathies."

Images via RTE