‘Fair City’ stars paid their respects at the funeral of Dublin actress Jean Costello.

Costello (76) died on St Stephen’s Day at the Mater Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was well known to viewers having played Rita Doyle on ‘Fair City’ for 24 years. A large crowd gathered for the funeral at St Agatha’s church on North William Street yesterday.

Costello’s partner Seamus was comforted outside the church by mourners, while others carried photographs.

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Mourners also paid their respects to Jean’s other loved ones, including her sons Noel, Joseph, Myles and Christy.

Many former co-stars were there, including Ciara O’Callaghan, who plays Rita’s feisty daughter Yvonne Doyle in the soap.

‘Fair City’ couple Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O’Brien, who are also an item off-screen, paid their respects too. Former Labour TD Joe Costello and Dublin director Peter Sheridan also attended the funeral.

Costello left the show in 2013 after becoming ill and was written out of the soap following the on-screen death of her character.

She had been involved since the show’s first episode and her character was married to Bela Doyle, played by stalwart actor Jim Bartley. Following Costello’s death, ‘Fair City’ executive producer Brigie de Courcy said: “Everyone in ‘Fair City’ is deeply saddened to hear about the sad passing of our former colleague Jean Costello.

“Jean was a stalwart in ‘Fair City’ when she played the role of Rita Doyle.

“She entertained millions of Irish people for over 20 years, as she was one of Carrigstown’s most-loved characters.”

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