The much loved Oscar winning Irish actress, Brenda Fricker was given an emotional send off at her funeral, which took place in Dublin today.
Best known for starring in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2, Fricker passed away aged 81 last month.
At the service, parish priest, Msgr Eoin Thynne told the congregation that Brenda Fricker did not want to today by be about sadness, but rather a celebration and light.
"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.
At the service, Msgr Thynne said that Brenda Fricker's success was not about winning the trophy, nor the applause or recognition.
This success saw her become the first Irish actress win an Academy Award for her performance in My Left Foot in 1990.
"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.
According to the priest, a great example of this was Fricker's performance as Christy Brown's mother in My Left Foot, a role which the priest praised Fricker for making her own.
"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.
Liz Duffy, Fricker's best friend, 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).
Ms Duffy also echoed the words of Msgr Thynne in making today about celebration, "that’s what she wanted - smiles and laughter and funny stories".
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.
Gleeson hailed Fricker as a a "truly wild person" and "one of the greats".
"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".
Other household names who paid tribute was 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".
Brenda Fricker's death was confirmed last month 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".
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.
