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Irish Actor Gary Lydon Dies at 61, IFTA Winner

5/3/2026

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Summary

Gary Lydon Dies

Ireland announced on May 3, 2026 that Gary Lydon died at 61.
He won two IFTA Best Supporting Actor awards for playing Patrick Murray in RTÉ’s The Clinic (2003-2009).
Colleagues including Elizabeth Whyte and Labour TD George Lawlor issued condolence statements while funeral arrangements remain unannounced.
Lydon moved to Wexford at nine, appeared in films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and The Guard, and collaborated with playwright Billy Roche.

Summary

Gary Lydon Tributes

The Irish arts community issued an outpouring of tributes, calling Gary Lydon's death a shocking loss.
Colin Farrell posted a heartfelt message on social media after appearing with Lydon in *The Banshees of Inisherin*.
Gary Lydon enrolled in a business degree and, during a year off, joined a Wexford theatre company that sparked his acting passion.
Colleagues noted that Lydon regularly mentored emerging actors in regional productions.

Summary

Gary Lydon Honored

Pete McCamley (director) directed *Of Mornington* starring Gary Lydon (actor) as Phil.
The production was co-produced by Ad Personam Cultural Events and Gary Lydon Productions, showing Lydon’s involvement as a producer.
After Lydon’s sudden death, Wexford Arts Centre posted a Facebook tribute calling him “renowned & beloved” and praised his work on its stage in many Billy Roche plays, calling him one of Ireland’s finest actors.

History

Historical Context

Since the Irish Film & Television Academy launched its ceremony in 2003 with twelve categories, the IFTA has become a platform for honoring Irish talent, as Gary Lydon won two Best Supporting Actor awards for The Clinic. In 2026 the Wexford Arts Centre, Ad Personam Cultural Events and peers Colin Farrell and Billy Roche commemorated his death, highlighting the awards’ role in supporting regional theatre.

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Gary Lydon Dies

Ireland announced on May 3, 2026 that Gary Lydon died at 61.
He won two IFTA Best Supporting Actor awards for playing Patrick Murray in RTÉ’s The Clinic (2003-2009).
Colleagues including Elizabeth Whyte and Labour TD George Lawlor issued condolence statements while funeral arrangements remain unannounced.
Lydon moved to Wexford at nine, appeared in films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and The Guard, and collaborated with playwright Billy Roche.

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