Dermot O'Neill, best known for playing Grandad on the BBC sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys, has revealed that his late wife, Patricia 'Chickie' O'Neill, planned her own funeral before her death last week. Chickie passed away at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer. She was diagnosed in January 2025 while visiting a hospital in Spain for a hernia operation, where doctors discovered a tumour that was inoperable.
Chickie's Final Wishes
As her health declined, Chickie took control of her funeral arrangements, ensuring it reflected her vibrant personality. During the service, her son Salvador shared that she had ordered an end-of-life planner, which arrived on the day she died. The front cover read: 'Sorry, it's your problem now, because I'm dead.' Salvador commented, 'That really made us laugh. That was my mum all over.'
Chickie's children—Salvador, Evan, Yolanda, and Nicola—each spoke at the funeral, expressing their heartbreak and pride at the large turnout, which they said 'was a testament to how much she was loved.' They noted that their world had 'gotten a lot quieter' since her death.
Dermot's Emotional Tribute
Dermot, too emotional to deliver a eulogy, rose to his feet as Chickie's coffin passed through the church doors. After the service, he explained that Chickie had insisted on karaoke at the wake, held at Kealy's. Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'Chickie wanted people to have a good time even at her funeral. That was very much her personality. She was a joyful, warm person. I'm so sad she is gone.'
His Mrs Brown's Boys co-star Paddy Houlihan attended and said he had never seen Dermot—whom he calls Bugsy—so shocked. 'I've known Bugsy for so many years and it's the first time he doesn't sound like Bugsy. He's absolutely devastated. But everyone on Mrs Brown's is there to support him. I know Brendan (O'Carroll) has been on the phone from Florida to Dermot a few times in the last few days. He will have a break now and all the cast are off until Mrs Brown's starts shooting again in October.'
Chickie's Cancer Journey
After her diagnosis, Chickie underwent chemotherapy at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. She had been offered treatment in Spain but chose to return to Ireland, saying she would 'never see my kids again' if she stayed. The mother of seven struggled to tell her children, especially her sons Salvador and Evan. She recalled that Dermot 'put his hand on my knee' and they 'all hugged and cried.' Her only wish was to spend another Christmas with her family, including her three-year-old granddaughter Ellie. 'My dream is to make it to Christmas Day and give her a kiss,' she said.
Their Love Story
Dermot and Chickie married in 2012 after meeting at a Brendan O'Carroll concert. They waited 20 years before tying the knot. Dermot once revealed his unconventional proposal: he texted Chickie, 'Do you want to be Mrs O'Neill?' She replied yes, and they married soon after. Chickie had previously helped Dermot recover from cancer in 2020 and praised him for his support, calling him 'amazing' despite their 14-year age gap.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call 0808 808 0000. Cruse Bereavement Support also offers free help; visit their website or call 0808 808 1677.
