Eileen Colgan Simpson (2 January 1934 – 10 March 2014) was an Irish theatre, television and film actress. She was best known for her recurring role as Esther Roche on the RTÉ One soap opera, Fair City. She also appeared in the RTÉ television drama, Glenroe, as Mynah, the housekeeper of the priest. Her other television credits included Ballykissangel, The Hanging Gale and Strumpet City.
Life and career She began her acting career in Irish theatre in Dublin. Colgan then moved to London, where she appeared in television and radio roles. She also appeared on stage in Tokyo.
Colgan was a longtime member of the Abbey Theatre Players in Dublin from 1971 until 1988. In 1973, she won a Jacob's Award for Best Television Performance by an Actress for her role in Hatchet.
Her filmography included roles in Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx in 1970, My Left Foot in 1989, Far and Away in 1992, The Secret of Roan Inish in 1994, Angela's Ashes in 1999, and Tara Road in 2005.
Death and legacy Eileen Colgan died on 10 March 2014, at the age of 80. She was survived by four children and eight grandchildren. Colgan was the widow of theatre director Alan Simpson, whom she had married after his divorce from Carolyn Swift. Simpson died in 1980.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1970 Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx Betsy Bourke 1989 My Left Foot Nan 1990 Fools of Fortune Mrs. Woodcombe 1992 Far and Away Lady #1 1994 Widows' Peak Mrs. Fogerty 1994 The Secret of Roan Inish Tess 1999 Angela's Ashes Philomena 2003 Mystics Shop Supervisor 2005 Tara Road Nora 2008 A Film with Me in It Neighbor 2008 I Sell the Dead Maisey O'Connell
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