Dame Penelope Keith, one of Britain’s most cherished comic actors and a defining presence in classic television, has died at the age of 86.
The Late Penelope Anne Constance Hatfield.(1940-2026),
Best known to millions as the formidable Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life and the proud, spirited Audrey fforbes-Hamilton in “To the Manor Born”, Dame Penelope helped shape an era of British sitcoms with performances that were sharp, elegant and unmistakably her own.
A statement issued on behalf of her family said they were “deeply saddened” to announce that she had died peacefully while living with cancer at her home in Surrey, where she had lived for more than 50 years. The family expressed gratitude for the care and support she received throughout her treatment and asked that their privacy be respected.
Born Penelope Anne Constance Hatfield in 1940, she built a distinguished career across stage, television and radio. Her early work included repertory theatre and performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, but it was television that brought her into the nation’s living rooms and secured her place in British cultural memory.
Her portrayal of ‘Margo Leadbetter‘ in “The Good Life” remains one of sitcom’s great comic creations: socially ambitious, imperious and frequently exasperated, yet played with enough warmth and precision to make her enduringly loved. The role earned Dame Penelope a BAFTA in 1977 and introduced her to a generation of viewers who never forgot her timing, poise and wonderfully expressive delivery.
She went on to further acclaim as ‘Audrey fforbes-Hamilton‘ in “To the Manor Born”, a character who combined aristocratic confidence with vulnerability and wit. The series became a major success and confirmed her as one of the most recognisable and admired performers of her time.
Beyond her most famous roles, Dame Penelope enjoyed a long and varied career, appearing in stage productions, dramas, comedies and presenting work. She was made a Dame in 2014 for services to the arts and to charity, recognition not only of her talent but of her wider contribution to public life.
Her death marks the loss of a performer whose work brought joy, laughter and sophistication to audiences for decades. Dame Penelope Keith leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable characters, impeccable comic craft and a lasting place in the story of British television.
Pre-deceased by his parents James and Mary; Mr O’Brien passed away peacefully while in the care of staff at Milford Care Centre Limerick, surrounded by his loving family.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; loving brother Lar, sister Kathleen, sister-in-law Nora, nieces Marie and her husband James Collins, Sarah and her partner Seamus, his grandnephew Eoin and grandniece Clodagh, also his wonderful neighbours and friends.
Requiescat in Pace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr O’Brien will repose at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Castlequarter, Borrisoleigh, Thurles, (Eircode E41 VX81) on this afternoon Monday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm same evening. His remains will be received into the Church of St. Mary Drom, Templemore, (Eircode E41 KP79) to further repose for Requiem Mass on Tuesday morning at 11:30am, followed by interment, immediately afterwards, in the adjoining graveyard.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr O’Brien, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended O’Brien family wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Lyrics: American country music specialist, record producer and songwriter Allen Reynolds Vocals: American country music singer, songwriter, and 2010 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the late Donald Ray Williams.
Late Don William (1939 – 2017).
The song hereunder is a lovely country classic made famous by the late Don Williams, still one of the most gentle and respected voices in country music. Don Williams had a way of singing that felt simple, honest, and straight from the heart. His songs often spoke about love, memories, tenderness, and the quiet emotions we sometimes find hard to put into words. The song “We Should Be Together.” It is a beautiful song about two people who share a special connection and the feeling that, no matter what has happened or how life has turned out, they truly belong with one another. It carries that warm Don Williams style: calm, sincere, and full of feeling and we hope the song brings back good memories for some of our readers.
We Should Be Together.
We Should Be Together.
I think about you, When I don’t want to, Dream about your smiling face, And I keep trying not to love you, But I love you anyway. We should be together, together, We should be walking side by side, We should be together, together, Keeping each other satisfied. I have thought to come to know you, I’ve come to need your company, What will I do if I can’t have you, If I can’t have you, What will I do. We should be together, together, We should be walking side by side, We should be together, together, Keeping each other satisfied. We should be together, together, We should be walking side by side, We should be together, together, Keeping each other satisfied.
The Central Statistics Office has released its Recorded Crime figures for Quarter 1 2026, covering incidents recorded in January, February and March.
The figures show a rather mixed picture. In the 12 months to Q1 2026, recorded crime incidents fell in 6 of the 15 main offence groups. The largest decreases were seen in Homicide & Related offences, Sexual offences, Burglary & Related offences, and Robbery, Extortion and Hijacking offences.
However, some offence groups continued to rise. The largest increases were recorded for Dangerous or Negligent Acts and Weapons & Explosives offences. The report also highlights an increase in victims of Assaults & Related offences. Female victims rose by 8% to 2,460 in Q1 2026 compared with Q1 2025, while male victims rose by 1% to 3,334. Overall, victims in this category increased by 4% to 5,794.
The CSO also advises caution when interpreting fraud figures. Current published figures for Fraud, Deception & Related offences include only incidents directly reported to An Garda Síochána by members of the public and recorded on the PULSE system. Certain referrals from financial institutions are still excluded while work continues on reporting and recording systems.
These statistics are important because they show recorded crime incidents, not necessarily the full level of crime in society. Some offences may be under-reported, particularly crimes such as fraud, sexual offences, and assault.
The Irish Government has launched a new survey for professionals who prepare Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports in family law proceedings.
The survey will gather important information on professional backgrounds, qualifications, training, experience, and the skills needed to carry out this work. The findings will help inform the development of a future Panel of Assessors, aimed at improving access, consistency, regulation, and standards in the preparation of these reports.
This work forms part of the Irish Government’s continued focus on placing children at the centre of the family justice system, ensuring their voices are heard, their welfare is protected, and their individual experiences are properly considered in legal proceedings that affect them.
The survey follows the June 2024 review of expert reports in the family law process, which made 20 recommendations to improve quality, oversight, consistency, and best practice in Voice of the Child and Welfare Reports.
Professionals currently preparing these reports are encouraged to complete the survey and contribute to shaping future policy in this important area.
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