RIP Maeliosa Stafford

 

Famous Galway actor dies suddenly as tributes pour for 'committed and passionate' figure

His death has come as a shock to the community

GalwayBeo

By Jessica Mercer

April 11, 2023

 

A famous Galway actor has died suddenly this week as several tributes flow from the community.

Well-known Galwegian actor Maeliosa Stafford has died in Australia leaving the theatre community in shock.

On Tuesday, a post on social media read: "Very sad news coming from Australia. Maeliosa Stafford - one of the greats - has passed away."

His death comes nearly seven years after the death of his mother Máire.

Máire Stafford (née Fitzpatrick) died back in 2014 and was a very accomplished actress, director, translator and costume designer, and central to the development of Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, the Irish language theatre.

Her five children spent time on the stage from an early age and their mother was involved in more than 100 dramatic productions, both plays and pantomime.

Maelíosa's death has come as a shock to many in the Galway theatre community, as several people recalled his stunning talent and generous personality.

One commented on the post: "Such sad news, Maelíosa was a wonderful actor and Galwegian. He personified everything that was great in Galway arts. He was committed, passionate, creative."

Another remembered: "Ah that's sad news. For me, he was such a champion of artists...fledgling artists especially when he was Druid's AD. His whole family so kind. And he never missed s Flying Pig show. Very generous man."

Meanwhile a third wrote: "Utterly shocked to hear the news. A wonderful actor and a lovely man. Maeliosa was a great mentor. I can’t believe it. Don’t know what to say …my deepest sympathies to Orlaith and all the Staffords."

STAFFORD, Maeliosa

Born: 19??, Galway, Ireland

Died: 4/10/2023, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

 

Maeliosa Stafford’s western – actor:

Quigley Down Under – 1990 (Cavanagh)