Beloved Northern Irish comedian Jimmy Cricket has died at the age of 80. The entertainer, born James Mulgrew, enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades before passing away following a short illness.
Career and trademark
Jimmy Cricket rose to fame for his catchphrase 'And there's more!', as well as his trademark routine of deliberately wearing his wellington boots on the wrong feet.
Family tribute
His family issued a statement saying: "Our beloved Jimmy passed away this morning after a short illness. He spent his last few days surrounded by his family, love, laughter and songs", reports Belfast Live, reports Dublin Live.
"Jimmy brought so much laughter and happiness to countless audiences in his career over the years. Whether on stage, screen or radio, or if you met him in person as well. But that was nothing to the happiness he gave to his family. A devoted husband to May for fifty two years.
"A wonderful dad to his four children and very silly grandad indeed to his four grandchildren. He was our greatest champion and loved us all loudly. He also just loved people and he absolutely loved being a stand up comedian. What a life he lived."
"Forever our clown, he was cracking jokes to the wonderful NHS staff and to us all, right until the end. His courage, dignity and positivity through all he endured was inspirational. A force for joy, we are just all very sad that the world is a far less sillier place today. We were going to end by using his famous catchphrase and say, 'There's no More'.
"But Jimmy was a man of great faith and a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church. He believed that death is not the end and was looking forward to eternity, so really...And there's more."
Tributes from fellow comedians
Paying tribute, fellow Northern Irish comedian William Caulfield said: "Sad to hear that Jimmy Cricket has died. He was one of the most generous and lovely people to work with.
"I always enjoyed his company both on and off stage and remember all the shows we did together with fondness.
"Thinking of his wife 'Mrs Cricket' and his family at this sad time"
