Hollywood actor Stephen Rea unveils plaque for Patrick Magee in Armagh

Hollywood actor Stephen Rea has unveiled a plaque to commemorate Northern Ireland stage and screen actor Patrick Magee in Armagh.

The Ulster History circle have honoured in his hometown by erecting the blue plaque in Edward Street, his birthplace in 1922.

Mr Magee, who died in 1982, was known for his collaborations with Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter and also appeared in horror films and in two Stanley Kubrick films, A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon.

Speaking at the event, Belfast-born Rea described his friend and colleague as “one of our greatest actors”.

“I did Endgame with Pat and it was the most magnificent performance I’ve ever been on stage with,” he said.

“He was a very special figure because he moved Irish acting out of the area of pure character acting into being a leading actor of a different type.”

Patrick Magee's son Mark said it was a special day for the family.

“My dad was born and bred in Armagh and for him to be honoured in this way is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“He died 35 years ago and in some cases he didn’t get the recognition that he deserved. It’s just so nice that in Armagh they’ve given a blue plaque in his birthplace, as a family we’re really delighted.”