The Mayor of Killarney has led the tributes to the late Donie Courtney, the well-known and accomplished local actor and drama tutor.
Cllr Marie Moloney said it was with was with deep shock and profound sadness that she learned of his passing, at such a young age, and she described him as a wonderfully gifted actor and drama coach and a very proud and accomplished Killarney man.
She said Donie’s one-man play on the life and times of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty was a true work of art and it really highlighted his extraordinary talent as a writer and actor.
“As chairperson of the board of management at Killarney Community College, I have been very aware of the great work Donie did with students, including some aspiring actors, through the classes he hosted in his position as director of the West End School of Drama.
“His passion, commitment and dedication to his craft was so evident as he worked so enthusiastically alongside the young students and they learned so much from him,” Cllr Moloney stated.
She said the Courtney family is steeped in local politics in Killarney with Donie’s late father, Michael, and his brothers, Hugh and Paddy, all serving on the former Killarney Town Council with distinction.
“To the extended Courtney family, I extend my sincere sympathies and those of the people of Killarney. Donie will be a great loss. May he rest in peace,” the mayor said.
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