Brenda Fricker dead at 81

Oscar-winning Dublin actress Brenda Fricker, best known for her roles in My Left Foot and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, has died aged 81.

"We will never see her like again and the world is lesser for the lack of her.

"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."

Fricker who once worked at the Irish Times newspaper before acting, had a career spanning more than six decades across stage and screen.

She made history in 1990 when she became the first Irish actress to win an Academy Award, taking home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Christy Brown’s mother in My Left Foot alongside Daniel Day-Lewis.

She dedicated the award to "all the people of Ireland".

She went on to become a familiar face to international audiences through roles in films including The Field, A Time to Kill, Angels in the Outfield, So I Married an Axe Murderer, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, in which she played the kindly Pigeon Lady opposite Macaulay Culkin.

The actress also portrayed Bernie Guerin, Veronica's mother in Veronica Guerin.

Fricker was married to Barry Davis for 15 years until they divorced in 1988. In this time she suffered six miscarriages.

Fricker was open about her struggles and said that she had battled severe depression for much of her life, including being hospitalised many times.

She previously said that her loves include her pet dogs, drinking Guinness, reading poetry, and playing snooker.

Earlier this year, Dublin City Council announced that Fricker would be awarded the Freedom of Dublin in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Irish arts and culture.