West Cork sadness at death of actress Maureen O'Hara

THERE was widespread sadness in West Cork today when news broke of the death, in the United States, of legendary screen star Maureen O’Hara at the age of 95.

The feisty red-haired actress, who appeared in classic Hollywood films such as ‘The Quiet Man,’ ‘Miracle on 34^th Street’ and ‘How Green Was My Valley,’ was a great ambassador for West Cork, and Glengarriff in particular, where she had a home for many years and was honorary president of the local golf club.

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world, including one from Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D Higgins, who said: ‘She will be remembered as an outstanding and versatile actress whose work, especially in film, will endure for many years to come.
She received her early training at the Abbey Theatre and went on to become an artist whose talents were recognised and appreciated all around the world.’

Last year, Ms O’Hara was awarded an honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Her family in the United States confirmed today that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. She is survived in Ireland by her daughter, Bronwyn FitzSimons.