Widespread sadness as community mourns the death of Blánaid Mac Cann

Widespread sadness spread across Waterford and beyond following the untimely death of Blánaid Mac Cann née Costello, a much-loved costume designer, businesswoman, and creative force whose contributions to Irish theatre and community performance touched generations. She died on Friday, October 23.

For almost four decades, her name was synonymous with creativity, craftsmanship and encouragement. Whether working behind the scenes of a local pantomime, helping community groups prepare for the stage or supplying costumes to productions across the country, she brought colour, imagination and an unwavering passion to everything she did.

Originally from St Luke's in Cork and later making her home in Dunmore East, Blánaid co-founded Nomac Productions with her friend Cathy Nolan. What began as a creative venture grew into one of Ireland's best-known costume companies, serving theatre groups, performers and productions nationwide.

Many will remember her for her long association with the Waterford Panto Society and the much-loved Tops of the Town competitions. Others will remember her warm welcome, her generosity with her time and knowledge, and her ability to inspire confidence in those taking to the stage.

Her immense contribution to the arts was recognised with the Waterford News & Star Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting honour for a woman whose work helped shape countless productions and create lasting memories for performers and audiences alike.

This year was particularly difficult after the devastating fire at the former Tycor site, which destroyed Nomac's warehouse and a vast collection of costumes built up over decades. Despite the heartbreak, Blánaid approached the challenge with characteristic resilience and determination, helping to lead efforts to rebuild what had been lost.

Yet beyond her achievements in the world of theatre, Blánaid's greatest pride was her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she was deeply cherished by those closest to her.

Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of her family and in the wider arts community. However, her legacy will endure in the thousands of costumes she created, the productions she helped bring to life and the countless people she encouraged along the way.

Blánaid Mac Cann's life was marked by creativity, kindness, and community spirit, and all who knew her will remember her with great affection.

Blánaid will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Barrack Street, Waterford, on Sunday evening from 7pm-8.30pm. Her Requiem Mass will take place at Holy Cross Church, Killea, Dunmore East, on Monday afternoon, at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. The family has requested that donations, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Society of St Vincent de Paul.

She is survived by her loving husband Liam, sons David, Neill and Eoin, daughters Aoife, Bebhinn and Gráinne, her grandchildren, brother Finán and a wide circle of relatives, neighbours and friends.

May she rest in peace.