By Dan Walsh
Many tributes have been paid to actor Gary Lydon, known for Billy Roche’s plays and films like Calvary, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin, has died aged 61.
Speaking on behalf on behalf of Wexford Arts Centre, its Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte said she was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of his death.
“Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK,” she said.
“Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O’Brien.
The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence.
“Deepest sympathies to his family, friends, stage and screen colleagues and to Billy Roche, his creative alliance collaborator for over forty years. May you be laid down softly Gary. May you rest in peace.”
Gary Lydon was born in 1964, in London, to Jimmy O’Brien from Wexford and Julie Lydon, London Irish.
The family moved back to his father’s home in Wexford when he was just nine. He would later take his mother’s surname for his professional career, one that lasted decades and saw him appear both on the stage and on the screen.
Lydon considered a business career before teaming up with Billy Roche, whose trio of plays advanced several careers.
First noticed on stage in Billy Roche’s famous Wexford trilogy, he is remembered as a thoughtful man who had much to say about the business of acting.
He won an IFTA for his performance as Patrick Murray, a counsellor in the RTÉ series The Clinic. Keep your eyes open and you will catch supporting turns in Calvary, Brooklyn and War Horse.
In recent years, he lived in Roscommon where he set up a theatre company.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of Gary Lydon, (Gary Mark O’Brien) Shanballybawn, Leitrim P.O. formerly Clonard, Wexford Town, April 30th 2026, suddenly at his home. Pre-deceased by his parents Jimmy and Judy O’Brien.
Gary was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his adoring sons Seanluke and James and their mother Kara, partner Paula and her
daughter Aoife, brothers Anthony, Seamus and Ian, sisters-in-law Ann, Trudy and Liz, nephews Eoghan, Marcus, Finn, nieces Eve, Ciara,
Sorcha, grandniece baby June, extended Doherty family, neighbours, friends and colleagues.
“May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace”
Reposing at Shivnan’s Funeral Home Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, F52 WT26, on Wednesday evening (May 6th) from 5 p.m. until 8p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, Cootehall, F52 AF85, on Thursday (May 7th) at 12 noon followed by interment afterwards in Kileenan Cemetery, Cootehall.
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