Moving tributes have been paid to the late Waterford entertainer Des Manahan who is being laid to rest in Dunmore East this afternoon.
Playwright Jim Nolan has described him as "Waterford's greatest showman" while another very close friend, actress Carrie Crowley, has spoken of how the 86-year-old was "worshipped" throughout Waterford city and county.
She said he was a "gifted" person, who never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Des Manahan died on Friday last and at noon today, his hearse passed the Theatre Royal in Waterford - whose stage he graced on many an occasion - as he made his final journey to Killea Parish church.
Under current Covid-19 restrictions, just 10 people are allowed attend a funeral and Jim Nolan told Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning that he, amongst many others, were sad they couldn't be "where they should be" today..at the church, saying goodbye to their friend.
He said Des Manahan was born with a connection to other people.
Remembering Des receiving a prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at the Theatre Royal in February last year (as part of the Waterford News & Star 'Green Room Awards), Jim Nolan said it was clear that night the "devotion and adoration" people in the audience had for Des.
Carrie Crowley, meanwhile, said Des was a "wonderful" presence on stage and before she ever got to know him personally, she recalled thinking how amazing he was in some of the top shows he had performed in.
She described the "magic" he exuded while on stage and how he could have had a career anywhere, but was very content in the life he had here in Waterford with his wife Mona and family.
You can listen back to Carrie Crowley and Jim Nolan speaking on Deise Today by clicking below here...
You can listen back to the full Deise Today show from this morning, meanwhile, by clicking below here...
