Ireland will bid farewell to one of its most celebrated actors on Thursday as Oscar-winning actress Brenda Fricker, best known for her performances in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, is laid to rest in Dublin following her death last month at the age of 81.

According to funeral arrangements released by her family, Fricker's funeral service will be held at St Catherine's Church on Meath Street before a private burial. She passed away under the care of Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross, leaving behind a legacy that transformed Irish cinema and earned admiration from audiences across the world.

First Irish Actress to Win an Oscar

Brenda Fricker made history in 1990 when she became the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award, receiving the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Bridget Brown, the devoted mother of Christy Brown, in My Left Foot.

The critically acclaimed film starred Daniel Day-Lewis, whose portrayal of Christy Brown also earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Fricker's performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and remains one of the defining moments in Irish film history.

Career Spanned More Than Six Decades

Over a career that stretched across six decades, Fricker established herself as one of Ireland's finest performers, appearing in numerous acclaimed films and television productions.

Her notable film credits include The Field, Veronica Guerin, Albert Nobbs, and several stage and television productions that showcased her versatility as an actor.

For international audiences, however, Fricker became a household name through her role as the compassionate Pigeon Lady in the 1992 holiday classic Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where she shared memorable scenes with child actor Macaulay Culkin.

Tributes Pour In

Following her death, filmmaker Jim Sheridan, who directed My Left Foot, described Fricker as "a force of nature" and remembered her exceptional talent and commanding screen presence.

Sheridan revealed that actor Daniel Day-Lewis was among the first people to contact him after learning of Fricker's passing, reflecting the deep respect she commanded within the film industry.

Irish actor Fionnula Flanagan also paid tribute, describing Fricker's Oscar victory as a landmark achievement that helped bring international recognition to Irish cinema.

Remembered for Authentic Performances

Throughout her career, Fricker became known for portraying emotionally complex and deeply human characters with remarkable authenticity.

Whether playing Christy Brown's determined mother in My Left Foot or the lonely yet kind-hearted Pigeon Lady in Home Alone 2, she consistently delivered performances that resonated with audiences across generations.

Her ability to combine vulnerability, warmth and resilience made her one of the most respected actors of her generation.

A Lasting Legacy

As family, friends and admirers gather in Dublin to pay their final respects, Brenda Fricker leaves behind an extraordinary body of work that continues to influence actors and filmmakers worldwide.

Her Academy Award remains a milestone in Irish cinema, while her memorable performances continue to introduce new generations of viewers to one of Ireland's most accomplished screen legends.