Gary Lydon of Banshees of Inisherin Fame Dies

Irish star Gary Lydon, who is known for his roles in films like Calvary, The Guard, and The Banshees of Inisherin, has died at the age of 61. Many prominent figures paid tribute to one of the best and most acclaimed actors from Ireland upon his demise.

Banshees of Inisherin star Gary Lydon dies at 61

Gary Lydon, who played Garda Peadar Kearney in Banshees of Inisherin, passed away at the age of 61. The actor last made an appearance in The Sandy Banks in 2025. Described as one of the finest actors from Ireland and a loving father, Lydon’s career spanned two and a half decades.

Born Gary O’Brien in London in 1964 to Irish parents, he moved with his family to Wexford, Ireland, at the age of nine. He later took his mother’s surname to pursue a professional career in acting.

Lydon broke out in the scene while starring in Billy Roche’s Wexford Trilogy of plays in the mid-1980s. His impressive list of performances includes stage productions, television, and films.

“Gary had honed his craft as one of the finest actors in Ireland on the Wexford Arts Centre stage in many of Billy Roche’s plays. He forged a stellar career performing across Ireland and the UK,” Executive Director Elizabeth Whyte said on behalf of Wexford Arts Centre (via BBC). “Though heartbreaking, it is fitting that his final role on our stage was performed alongside his son James Doherty O’Brien. The lights in the theatre world are dimmer due to the loss of Gary, but we will cherish the memories of his performances with reverence.”

Lydon’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club, St Michael’s, also paid tribute to his passing. “In subsequent years, he was a regular presence on the sideline supporting the club especially when his son James was playing,” the club said, “May he rest in peace.”

Others, like his son James Doherty O’Brien, also shared statements about his death.

Source: Comingsoon.net