Emotional scenes as ‘kind’ Fair City star David Heap honoured during touching ‘I will never forget him’ funeral tributes
He passed away on December 30, 2025
THERE were emotional scenes in Dublin today at the funeral of Fair City star David Heap.
The actor, who passed away at the age of 76, was known for playing Donal Maher in the soap for over 10 years.
David’s wife confirmed he died in her arms on December 30, 2025 after being diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome, a rare and progressive brain disorder, last year.
Olwen Fouéré remembered her husband as “a beautiful soul” in the tragic announcement.
St Stephen’s Green Unitarian Church was packed with mourners for 11am mass this morning as David’s coffin arrived to the service.
Well-known actor Will O’Connell paid a moving tribute to his friend as he thanked those who cared for the Fair City star.
He told the crowd: “How do I talk about a wonderful actor, a great friend, a member of this church community? This church was really important to David, and David was really important to this church.”
The star continued: “He was always somebody who would introduce someone to someone else who might help them.”
He added: “He had so much empathy, compassion, and a sense of social justice.”
O’Connell finished: “He was a humble, dedicated, learned, beautiful man. I am all the better for having met him and worked with him.
“I will never, ever, ever forget him.
“I will miss the memories I had with David.”
Minister Gavin Byrne also remembered the actor’s “gentleness and warmth” as he delivered the service in Dublin.
He told the congregation: “When I first came to this church, searching for my spiritual home in this city, David was at the door and he was the official welcomer that particular Sunday.
“He spotted me, and with gentleness and warmth, he welcomed me. That was nearly 10 years ago.
“You had no insignificant affect on me and many others here.”
The actor is set to be buried on a Galway Island, alongside two of his children who died as babies.
ACTOR’S LIFE
David was a native of Gloucestershire, but had moved to Ireland after landing the role of Captain Lancey in the world premiere of Translations by Brian Friel in 1980.
The actor last appeared as Donal Maher in Fair City in 2004, when his character left Carrigstown for London.
However, Heap reprised the role in 2020 and delighted long-term fans of the soap.
He also appeared in films such as Byzantium, The Tale of Sweeney Todd and Botched.
As well as a strong talent and passion for acting David was known for his activism and as a humanitarian.
He worked as a volunteer with Care4Calais and with the Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
‘DEEPLY SADDENED’
Announcing her husband’s death just after Christmas Olwen Fouéré remembered him as a “very special man”.
She said: “Farewell to my beloved David Richard Heap who died in my arms at home today December 30th 2025.
“Born in Cinderford, Gloucestershire on 21st May 1949, he moved to Ireland after playing the original Captain Lancey in the world premiere of Translations by Brian Friel in 1980, the first ever production from Field Day theatre company created by Stephen Rea and Brian Friel.
“He was a special man and a beautiful soul. Go well, my love xxx.”
And RTE also paid tribute to the actor remembering him as a “wonderfully talented actor”.
A spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, David Heap.
“David portrayed Donal Maher in Fair City for more than a decade and was a wonderfully talented actor.
“He relished playing the show’s ‘baddie’ and will be fondly remembered for some of the programme’s most memorable storylines, including his long-running affair with Nicola, his IT company Blue Dolphin, and his dramatic confrontations with Paul Brennan.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Olwen and David’s family, friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
