Tom Hopkins, the actor best known for playing corner shop owner Christy Phelan in the Irish soap Fair City for 16 years, has died. He passed away on Monday 26 October surrounded by his loved ones, under the care of staff at Carechoice Step Down Facility and St James's Hospital, Dublin.
A 16-Year Run on Fair City
The Dublin-born actor joined the cast of the beloved soap in 1998 as the local shopkeeper married to Renee, played by Úna Crawford O'Brien. He remained in the role until 2014, when his character left the show after suffering a fatal heart attack following a stroke.
No cause of death has been disclosed, but his family asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Ireland in his memory instead of flowers. His passing was announced in an obituary on RIP.ie.
Tributes From Fans and Family
The obituary read: "Very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law Lilly, Lynn, Danielle and Ine, his adored grandchildren, brother Dermot, sister Terry, brother-in-law Thomas, sisters-in-law Margaret and Frances, best friend Frank and his wife Marie, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours."
Tributes poured in following news of his passing. One person said: "So sad to hear this news. Tom or Christy as we knew and loved has gone to his Eternal Rest." Another commented: "A lovely gentleman. My condolences to all Tom's family and extended families and friends. Rest gently with the Angels, Tom."
A third added: "I am sad to see the actor who played Christy in Fair City has passed away, I am thinking of his family at this very sad time. Rest in peace Tom/Christy." A fourth wrote: "Thanks for the memories 'Christy'. I loved the Fair City shop story lines. You had such a great voice - so memorable. Condolences to your family. Rest in Peace."
