‘A genius at work’: Brendan Grace’s final performance to be aired in new film

"He had crew and everybody present in stitches."

Ireland lost one of its best-loved entertainers this summer with the passing of Brendan Grace but fans will soon get to enjoy his comedic genius once again in his final film role. The comedian, who died in July, appears in Tradition, a film about a GAA referee who goes missing under unusual circumstances. In the film, Brendan plays a local priest called upon to act a character witness in court. Director Damian O’Callaghan this week described Brendan as "a naturally gifted entertainer who was also a superb actor".

"It was a joy putting Brendan into the dock of a real court in Killarney. He stole the show talking to the judge," Damien told The Irish Sun. “He had crew and everybody present in stitches. We had no doubt we were seeing a genius at work."

Tradition is expected to be aired on RTÉ later this year. Brendan had been fighting lung cancer before he died in July. He was 68. Speaking after his death, his daughter Melanie Gillespie remembered her dad as a gentle soul.

"He had the kindest, kindest heart. He had heart enough both for his family and a nation and we're just so proud of that. We were happy to share him. "Offstage, although he absolutely made us laugh often, he was a different person and I loved that we got that person."