Passing of Sligo Drama Circle Actress

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of one of our greatest character actresses, Pauline Mc Niffe. Pauline will be fondly remembered by all those in the dramatic community for her wonderful characterisations on stage in many Drama Circle productions.

As an actress, Pauline delivered many wonderful performances on the stages of the Town Hall and the Hawk’s Well Theatre, including:   The Man Born To Be King (1971); Mother in “Da” (1976);  Betsy Connors in “God’s Gentry” (1977); Miss Gilchrist in “The Hostage” (1977);  Sara Tansey in “The Playboy of the Western World” (1975);  Mrs. Flynn in “Tarry Flynn (1978); Mrs. Davidson in “Rain” (1981); Kytie in “There Are Tragedies and Tragedies” (1982); Freda in “The Year of the Hiker” (1983); Madge in “Philadelphia, Here I Come” (1987); The Black Stranger (1997); Maggie Polpin in “Big Maggie” (1999).

Her most memorable roles will probably be as the housekeeper Madge in “Philadelphia, Here I Come” which she played on several occasions opposite Walter Mc Donagh’s S.B. O’Donnell and the central role in “Big Maggie” which she carried off with aplomb.

A talented actress, Pauline took her roles seriously and put great preparation into whichever role she played. This, in turn, shone through during her performances on stage where she owned every role. Her sense of presence on stage meant that the audiences believed in her roles and journeyed with her in that role.

Pauline with Fintan Whelan in “The Black Stranger” (1997)

Pauline with Pádraig Harte in “Philadelphia, Here I Come”

Pauline as Mrs. Davidson in “Rain” (1981)

We fondly remember Pauline and thank her for the great dramatic memories that she has left us. We in the Sligo Drama Circle extend our condolences to Pauline’s family and her wide circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.