Neasa Ní Annracháin facts for kids

Neasa Ní Annracháin (born October 17, 1922 – died December 18, 2014) was a famous Irish actress. She was best known for her amazing voice work on Irish radio. She brought many characters to life for listeners across Ireland.

Growing Up

Neasa Ní Annracháin was born on October 17, 1922. Her family lived in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland. Her father, Peadar Ó hAnnracháin, was a farmer and writer. Her mother was Máire Ní Suithe. Neasa was the second of six children.

She went to primary school in Skibbereen. Later, she attended a secondary school there too. When her family moved to Dublin, she studied music. She played the violin at Chatham Street Music College. She also took acting classes at the Abbey Theater Drama School.

Many people in her family were artists. Her brother Ciarán became a film and TV actor. He was known by his stage name, Kieron Moore. Her brother Fachtna directed music at RTÉ Radio. Her sister Bláithín played the harp with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Her Acting Career

Neasa first worked as a civil servant. This was a government job. In 1948, she married Seán Ó Briain. He was also a civil servant from Cork. At that time, women often had to leave their jobs when they got married. So, Neasa left her job.

In 1950, she joined the Radio Éireann Players (REP). This was a special group of actors for radio in Ireland. Neasa became a very well-known voice on Irish radio. She performed in both Irish and English. People admired her ability to act in many different styles. She could perform plays by famous writers like John Millington Synge and James Joyce.

She played the character Mommo in a radio play. It was called Bailegangaire by Tom Murphy. This was in 1987. For many years, she also read poetry on a radio show called Mo Cheol Thú. She continued doing this even after she officially retired from the REP in 1988.

Winning Awards

• In 1975, Neasa won a Jacob's Award. This award was for her "outstanding contribution" to the acting group.
• In 1982, the Radio Éireann Players did something amazing. They broadcast a 30-hour radio play. It was based on James Joyce's long novel, Ulysses. This was to celebrate 100 years since the author's birth. This record-breaking show was broadcast live around the world. It won a Jacob's Broadcasting Award. Neasa Ní Annracháin played "Old Gummy Granny" in this special broadcast.

Family Life

In 1948, Neasa married Seán Ó Briain. They had three children together. Their names were Doireann, Nuala, and Éanna. Their oldest daughter, Doireann, also worked in radio. She became an independent radio producer.

Later Years and Passing Away

Neasa's husband, Seán, passed away in 1991. After this, she sold her home in Dublin. She moved back to her hometown of Skibbereen. In 2009, she had a stroke. She then moved into a nursing home. Neasa Ní Annracháin passed away on December 18, 2014.