The funeral of the late Irish Oscar winning actress, Brenda Fricker took place in Dublin today.
Fricker, who was known for starring in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2, passed away aged 81 last month.
Her death had been confirmed by her agent, Phil Belfield who said: "We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her".
He added: "I was honoured to know, love and work with her and she will always have a place in my heart and in the heart of so many film and TV fans the world over".
The service began with parish priest, Msgr Eoin Thynne saying that Brenda Fricker did not want to today by be about sadness, but rather a celebration.
"Brenda lived a life full to the brim, full of love, laughter, stories, kindness, and mischief. And she was very clear about what she wanted to do: no tears, no sadness, no fuss.
"This is a day of celebration, the celebration of a true legend who touched the lives of so many and left us with many, many wonderful memories," he said.
Msgr Thynne said: "The curtain has fallen on this life but what a performance it was".
He added Ms Fricker "brought dignity and truth to very role and friendship".
"Ireland is prouder because of her," he said.
Elsewhere, Msgr Thynne said that Brenda Fricker's success was not about winning the trophy, nor the applause or recognition.
"What mattered most of all was bringing out the best in people. That was Brenda's greatest gift, to see the light in others and help to make it shine brighter", he said.
A case in point according to the priest was Fricker's performance as Christy Brown's mother in My Left Foot.
"She played her with such truth… such tenderness that we all felt we knew her. But in truth, Brenda was like that all along. You see, she didn't have to act kindness; she lived kindness. Her generosity was legendary. She gave freely, gladly, often quietly, expecting nothing in return", he said.
The funeral, which took place at St Catherine's Church in the Libertines area of Dublin where she grew up, was attended by actor Brendan Gleeason, and musician Frankie Gavin.
Speaking at the service, Gleeson hailed Fricker as a wonderful woman, actor and friend, insisting that the likes of her will not be seen again.
"Her kindness, the love, that was central to everything she did, it's to be felt here today", he said. "She was a true and truly wild person. One of the greats".
Others who attended was the filmmaker, Tadgh O'Sullivan, who praised Fricker for her bravery, honesty, kindness, and curiosity.
Referring to the words from Fricker's words in Home Alone 2, O'Sullivan said: "'Everyone wants to be seen, to be heard’. Hearing this line delivered in Brenda's beautiful voice and profound humanity on a desperately sad day in July, it somehow carried timeless truth and an honesty all of her own".
Fricker's best friend, Liz Duffy, who was praised by the priest for supporting her during difficult times, thanked many of the actress' friends and neighbours from the Liberties, including her hairdresser who did her hair when she was unwell, as well as the deli who gave treats to her dog, Juno, along with the chipper where Fricker always ordered "a piece of salmon".
"We could not walk down Main Street until Juno went and got our treats", Ms Duffy said. (All quotes in this piece are according to RTÉ).
She also echoed the words of Msgr Thynne in making today about celebration, "that’s what she wanted - smiles and laughter and funny stories".
Brenda Fricker made history in 1990 when she became the first Irish actress to win an Oscar, which she won for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Christy Brown's mother in My Left Foot, starring alongside Daniel Day-Lewis.
Following her death, a number of household names paid tribute to Fricker, including Mike Myers and My Left Foot director, Jim Sheridan. Check them out and more here.
