'Iconic’ Billa dies at 91

The legendary Leeside entertainer Billa O’Connell passed this morning at the age of 91.

He entertained Cork audiences for over 70 years and was a star of stage and song. He was always associated with pantos and singing and was one of Cork’s most famous and loved entertainers.

In June 2013 he was honoured with the Freedom of Cork City, such was his contribution to the cultural life of Cork.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin led tributes to the entertainer saying on social media that there is “deep sadness across the country today over the loss of one of our most iconic singers and entertainers. Billa O’Connell was quintessential Cork and we will miss him. My deepest sympathies to his wife Nell and all the family.”

His grandson James O’Callaghan confirmed that Billa passed away early this morning.

“He had some life, receiving Freedom of the City from Cork City Council and an honorary degree from UCC. He'll live on through his stories.”

Denis McSweeney, Chair of the Everyman Board said that his name “is sufficient to bring a smiling, maybe tearful memory to mind. He was, for many Corkonians, our first experience of the magic of theatre across the dazzle of the footlights.

“Whether as a wit, a raconteur, a singer or a performer, he had that power to hold an audience in the palm of his hand, and to lead them through sadness, disappointment, shock, tears but above all laughter.”