MAUREEN POTTER, one of Ireland's best-loved stars, and known to many as the Queen of Comedy, died in April 2004, aged 79. She had a lifelong relationship with the Gaiety Theatre, beginning in 1939, and she is best remembered for her comedy in numerous pantomimes, variety shows and the hugely popular summer revue, Gaels of Laughter.

John Brendan Keane, who died in his native Listowel in 2002, remains one of Ireland's most popular writers. He was the author of many awardwinning books and plays, including Big Maggie, Sive, The Year of the Hiker, Sharon's Grave and his masterpiece, The Field.