Tributes paid to Actor Pat Mooney

Tributes have been paid to Actor and former staff member at the Abbey Grammar School, Pat Mooney who passed away on Saturday 22 August at his home in Warrenpoint.

A former teacher at the Abbey Grammar School, Mooney has taken on many roles on stage and screen over the years. He taught English at the school for over 40 years from 1968 to 2009. In his acting roles he appeared in Game of Thrones and The Frankenstein Chronicles amongst others. On stage he is fondly remembered in his performances in many Newpoint plays including Hotel Paradiso, The Field, and Philadelphia Here I come. He will also be remembered for appearing in that heartwarming Lidl Christmas ad depicting a widower whose family brought him back to his home house, a role he was perfect for.

Recalling his role in a recent production Donal O'Hanlon, Newpoint Players said: "Pat was a key man in Newpoint’s series of historical trials written by Anthony Russell. He was a perfect James Craig, a Lord Londonderry and occasionally played our judge."

O'Hanlon concluded: "Pat’s energy belied his years. He exuded wisdom, quality, decency and superb talent. He was a dolmen (sorry Seamus Heaney): always there, solid, of the earth and profound. May his light dazzle another stage now."

Another tribute on social media read: "There are teachers you are incredibly grateful for - and Pat Mooney was one of those for me in The Abbey. I loved every minute of his English classes. His passion for literature and drama shone through - and our regular newspaper projects in class led me into journalism as a career. I am very sad this fine gentleman has passed away. But I feel blessed that he was my teacher."

Declan McConaghy from the Declan McConaghy Show added: "My memory of Pat is of a gentle advisor at many Newpoint Players shows and rehearsals. His word or two of wisdom could help you focus a role or guide a light. He also loved the theatre of Down GAA and where ever a Down team was lining out you would meet Pat and Eileen. His rejoiced when the Down team shone and always had an air of optimism before every campaign."

Fellow actor Damien Lavery also recalled his performance in The Field "Great memories of playing in that production of The Field. Pat’s Bishop’s sermon will live long in the memory and it was fantastic to experience it once more only 3 months ago at Charlie Smyth’s Tribute night. A warm, generous, talented Man. God bless you Pat"

Pat Mooney's remains will repose at McAnulty’s Funeral Home 35, Church Street, Warrenpoint BT34 3HN today Monday from 7 – 9pm and on Tuesday from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm (finishing with prayers at 9pm). Removal on Wednesday at 10.15am arriving at St. Peter’s Church, Warrenpoint for 10.30am Requiem Mass (churchmedia.tv) followed by interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Burren.

Newry.ie sends condolences to his sister Eileen, his extended family circle and his many friends.