Book of Condolence for Brenda Fricker to be opened in the Mansion House

An in-person Book of Condolence for the late Brenda Fricker will open at the Mansion House on Monday 20 July and Tuesday 21 July from 10am to 4pm both days

News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 17:06, 17 Jul 2026 Updated 17:13, 17 Jul 2026 View 2 Images Brenda Fricker

An in-person Book of Condolence for the late Brenda Fricker will open on Monday.

Dublin City Council are inviting people to write messages of sympathy, support, and shared memories following the death of the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award. Fricker was due to receive the Freedom of Dublin this year, but died aged 81 after a period of illness before this could take place.

Lord Mayor Daryl Barron has issued his “heartfelt sympathies” to the Fricker family on behalf of “all citizens of Dublin”. He said: “Brenda Fricker was a phenomenally talented actress. She made us extremely proud as a nation when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for ‘My Left Foot’, becoming the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award.

“It was a joy to see her on the big screen in such films as ‘The Field’ and ‘Veronica Guerin’, as well as the small screen in TV shows like ‘Casualty.’

“She has been a mainstay in many homes every Christmas as families sit down to rewatch ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.’ She was a proud Dub with a sharp wit and warmth that exuded to all who knew her and experienced her work. She will be sorely missed.”

View 2 Images Brenda Fricker and Daniel Day-Lewis during the 62nd Annual Academy Awards at Music Center in Los Angeles, California, United States (Image: Photo by Barry King/WireImage via Getty Images)

Former Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said: "I was proud to nominate Brenda Fricker for the Freedom of the City of Dublin because few people have brought such honour to our city. Through her remarkable career, she carried Dublin with her wherever she went and inspired generations of Irish artists in return.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of her death. In a social media post on X, the Taoiseach said: "She was an iconic figure in Irish film and theatre, an Oscar winner and an actor of world renown."

Tánaiste Simon Harris also issued a statement paying tribute to Fricker: "As the first Irish woman to win an acting Oscar, she opened doors and set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire generations of Irish artists.

"She was a consummate performer who graced our screens and stages with remarkable talent and authenticity. Brenda brought depth and humanity to every role she undertook.

"She truly was among the greatest exports this country has ever produced and an ambassador for Irish talent on the world stage. Quite simply, we will never see the like of her ever again."

An in-person Book of Condolence will open at the Mansion House on Monday 20 July and Tuesday 21 July from 10am to 4pm both days.

An online Book of Condolence is available to sign at this link .

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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