Aslan pay tribute to "Queen of the Olympia Theatre" Maureen Grant, who has died aged 95

Aslan, Keith Barry, Ruth Medjber and Shane Gillen are among those who have paid tribute to the indomitable Olympia Theatre staff member Maureen Grant, following the sad news of her death this afternoon. The 95-year-old was well known for manning Maureen's Bar in The Olympia – where she started working as a Bar Girl in 1949.

According to the Olympia Theatre's website, the many memorable moments of Maureen's career included "flirting with Tyrone Power in the 50’s, spending lots of time with Laurel & Hardy in 1952, being kissed by Kris Kristofferson backstage, bringing Josef Locke a pint on stage at his last Olympia show and receiving a rose from him in return."

"Maureen Grant was a truly extraordinary character," Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. "She loved showbiz and the razzmatazz of theatre and music. She had been at the Olympia Theatre for so long that, by this stage, the history of it all was in her bones and in her blood. She knew everyone in the business – and, in turn, they loved to be able to say that they knew her. She was a legend and rightly so. But most of all, Maureen was great fun and a joy to have a conversation with.

"We were proud to present her with the Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year Award for the Olympia Theatre a few years back. That will always be a memory to cherish, all the more so now that she has taken her final curtain call."

Taking to Twitter, Christy Dignam, Billy McGuinness, Joe Jewell, Alan Downey and Rodney O'Brien of Aslan noted that they were "so saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen of the Olympia Theatre, Maureen Grant."

"We have no doubt we will all continue to feel your presence in the Olympia," they added.

So saddened to hear of the passing of the Queen of the Olympia Theatre, Maureen Grant. We have no doubt we will all continue to feel your presence in the Olympia. Our thoughts are with your many friends and family. Christy, Billy, Joe, Alan, Rod & all in Aslan past & present. pic.twitter.com/JAjbocsbPW

— Aslan (@OfficialAslan) January 6, 2021

Keith Barry also paid tribute to Maureen: "I have many fond memories of laughs and stories with the lady of the Olympia herself."

So sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Grant of Maureen’s bar in the @olympiatheatre . I have many fond memories of laughs and stories with the lady of the Olympia herself. RIP. You’ll be sorely missed by all. pic.twitter.com/tbyHcLtNIG

— Keith Barry (@KeithpBarry) January 6, 2021

See more tributes to Maureen Grant below:

Sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Grant of the Olympia Theatre. Many of you will have met her, or will have at least drank in the famous ‘Maureen’s Bar’ at the venue. An incredible lady. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam ❤️ @olympiatheatre pic.twitter.com/JEA4wkWz7u

— Shane (@ItsGillen) January 6, 2021

It was strong, fearless women like herself, who paved the way for the rest of us. A true Dubliner, a survivor and an absolute hilarious woman. She'll be sorely missed by so many. x

— Ruth Medjber 📸⚡ (@ruthlessimagery) January 6, 2021

So sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Grant. I interviewed her at home with her son Jimmy for the Sunday Independent in 2013 and she was so warm and entertaining. A true legend. https://t.co/5u2wGTQco0

— Andrea Smith (@AndreaMarySmith) January 6, 2021