DAVID HEAP, THE actor who played Donal Maher in Fair City for over a decade, has died aged 76.

Mr Heap’s wife, actress Olwen Fouéré, confirmed his death in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. 

“Farewell to my beloved David Richard Heap who died in my arms at home today December 30th 2025,” she said.

“Born in Cinderford, Gloucestershire on 21st May 1949, he moved to Ireland after playing the original Captain Lancey in the world premiere of Translations by Brian Friel in 1980, the first ever production from Field Day theatre company created by Stephen Rea and Brian Friel. He was a special man and a beautiful soul. Go well, my love xxx.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Olwen Fouéré (@olwenfouere)

While previously speaking on RTÉ’s The Meaning Of Life, Mr Heap said he had been diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome. The rare, progressive brain disorder is caused by nerve cell damage.

Following the news of Mr Heap’s death, RTÉ remembered him as a “wonderfully talented actor”

In a statement today, an RTÉ spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, David Heap. David portrayed Donal Maher in Fair City for more than a decade and was a wonderfully talented actor.

“He relished playing the show’s ‘baddie’ and will be fondly remembered for some of the programme’s most memorable storylines, including his long-running affair with Nicola, his IT company Blue Dolphin, and his dramatic confrontations with Paul Brennan.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Olwen and David’s family, friends and colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”