Father Ted star Brendan Grace has died aged 68 after being diagnosed with lung cancer just 10 days ago.

Grace played Father Fintan Stack in the cult TV comedy series and was also a stand-up comedian.

His manager, Tom Kelly, said he died shortly after midnight on Thursday surrounded by his family.

Ireland's president Michael D Higgins was among those paying tribute, saying it was a privilege to know him.

He added: "As a comedian, Brendan's spontaneous wit and his sense of timing, his obvious delighting in interaction with his audiences, meant that Brendan's sense of humour was drawing from, and itself a profound contribution to, the deep wellspring of Irish wit."

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted: "RIP Brendan Grace, an Irish comedy legend. You made us laugh so many times, from Bottler to Father Ted and so many others. One of the greats. Our thoughts are with Brendan's friends and family."

Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll said: "So sad at the passing of a great comedy legend, husband and father Brendan Grace.

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