HE WAS once known the length and breadth of the country, entertaining audiences wherever he went, but with the arrival of television, times changed, and Edward (Eddie) Clyne, began a new chapter of his life when he set up home in Hollyfort.

Eddie passed away at the age of 92 at Oakfield Nursing Home on January 3 last, following a long illness.

Born and reared in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, Eddie started his working career are a taxi driver, and also spent some time in the army. In his early twenties, he joined a drama group, The Gerry Broadbent Show in Co. Leitrim, and found he had a love of, and a talent for, performance.

He soon became involved in travelling variety shows, known as 'Fit Up Shows' and worked as a comedian and actor.

He was known for his quick wit and interaction with the audiences wherever he went.

It was through one of these shows in Ardagh, Co. Limerick, that he met singer and actress Breda Neville, and they worked with various shows together for some time. They worked with names such as the famous showman Harry Lyndon.

In the 1950s, they left showbusiness, and went to England and worked for a while in Essex. While there, they married in 1952, and made their home in Essex. In 1954, they returned to Ireland and went back to Harry Lyndon.

The travelling show would stay six weeks in an area, performing different plays each night, such as ' The Old Bog Road' and ' The Red Barn.'

Eddie and Breda then went out on their own with indoor games, but later joined various shows including Mcfaddens. During this time, they started their family, and were loving parents to Geraldine, Teddy, Cindy, Kenneth, and Austin.

In the early 1960's, with the arrival of television, the popularity of the travelling shows was beginning to fade away. In 1963, while they were in Coolboy, with the Mogadors Travelling Group, they decided to set up home in Hollyfort, and enrolled their children in Monaseed school.

Eddie became known as a skilled tradesman, and manufactured a caravan for a local family. He went on to build and sell trailers and horseboxes, but could turn his hand to anything. He was well known all over the county, and still could be called upon to perform a sketch or two.

He produced Craanford Tops of the Parish in the 1970s when the talent festival was popular.

He retired from the manufacturing business in the late 1990s, but continued to make small items such as wooden window boxes, as he had a lifelong love of woodwork.

Eddie was a keen card player and particularly loved a game of poker. He loved to visit his friend Mick O'brien in Ballintlea, where games could last for several hours.

News of his passing was met with deep sadness in the locality and further afield.

His Funeral Mass in Monaseed Church was said by Fr. Tom Doyle and Fr. Felix Byrne, and the huge attendance was a sign of the huge affection in which he was held.

In a fitting touch, music at the funeral was provided by Monica Mae, daughter of Mae Mack, a famous showbusiness personality, with whom Breda and Eddie had travelled on various shows.

Eddie was laid to rest in Monaseed Cemetery, and he is survived by his loving wife Breda; daughters Geraldine and Cindy; sons Teddy, Ken and Austin; son-in-law; daughter-in-law; sister Peggy; sister-in-law; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.

May he Rest in Peace.