Immense sadness at death of actress and director Rachel O’Connor

There is huge sadness in south Donegal and across the amateur dramatics community following the death of Rachel O’Connor.

The 63-year-old  Belleek native passed away in Omagh Hospital surrounded by her beloved family after battling cancer since her shock diagnosis while on the drama festival circuit in 2023. 

Leading the tributes is Ballyshannon Drama Society, an organisation with which Rachel was deeply involved, to the point where she continued touring despite her cancer diagnosis and treatment.

A spokesperson posted on the group’s Facebook page: “Ballyshannon Drama Society is devastated by the passing this morning of Rachel O Connor.

“Rachel was an inspiration to us all as our secretary, as a director and award winning actress. She was a driving force behind everything both on and off stage.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Sean , her children Sophie, Lauren and Ross and her sisters and brother.

“Rest in peace Rachel.”

Earlier this year, Rachel, representing Ballyshannon Drama Society, received the best actress award for her portrayal of an ageing Margaret Thatcher in Shaun Byrne’s play Margaret at the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone.

This followed her success in winning the same category at the Ulster Drama Festival Finals in April. 

In 2023, she won the best actress in a supporting role, again, with the Ballyshannon Drama Society for her portrayal of Claire in Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance.

Rachel was also an outstanding director with an incredibly intuitive talent for casting and fostering new talent which really showed in her work with schools in south Donegal. She ignited a passion for musical theatre and the performing arts in a generation of young people, guiding hundreds of students through all aspects of rehearsal and production, resulting in fantastically memorable, top quality performances of which everyone involved had every reason to be immensely proud.

In an interview with Donegal Live earlier this year, Rachel spoke of her early interest in drama going back to her own schooldays at the Mercy Convent in Ballyshannon.

From there, she progressed to Donegal Drama Circle’s renowned Summer Theatre productions under the direction of the late Paul Buckley. 

Rachel then joined the Borderline Players in Pettigo, taking part in several comedies and pantos, before joining Ballyshannon Drama Society. 

There are few people involved in the performing arts in Donegal who had not encountered Rachel and have been impressed not only by her talent and commitment to performance, but also by her generous spirit and positivity. 

A spokesperson for the Allingham Festival Committee said: “Rachel was not only a consummate actor, she was unfailingly generous in all aspects of her life, onstage and off. 

“For Allingham, she was a central force in a number of events over the years, such as The Breadman and Margaret. 

“For decades she has contributed to the creative well from which we all draw. 

“Her Best Actress Award at this year’s All-Ireland Drama Festival was a belated recognition of something we had known for many years. Without doubt, it seemed, there was so much more to come. 

“Since the news broke at around lunchtime, our social media has filled with tributes: We have all lost a great woman … what a woman of substance ...  A beautiful person inside and out … She was just brilliant … A wonderful lady … A peerless actress and a lovely person … Ni fheicfimid a leithéid aris.

“We send our sincere condolences to Sean and all her family and many friends.

“Goodnight … May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Rachel is survived by her husband Sean, children Sofie, Lauren and Ross, and a wide circle of family and friends.

The Erne Gaels Dinner Dance due to`take place on Sunday, December 29 has been postponed as a mark of respect.