Rory Cowan has left Fair City after five years, it has been confirmed.
The former Mrs Brown's Boys actor joined the RTÉ soap back in 2019 as John 'Bosco' Walsh. Bosco was introduced to Carrigstown as part of the O'Brien family, and looked after his mum Rose, who was ill with dementia.
The storyline was particularly poignant for Rory, whose own mother, Esther, also suffered with the condition. Bosco quickly integrated himself into Carrigstown and became a notable community character in recent years.
But now, Rory has decided to retire from work ahead of his 66th birthday and quietly exited the soap earlier this year. A Fair City spokesperson told RSVP Live: "Rory Cowan made the decision to retire from Fair City earlier this year.
"Following his success in Mrs. Brown's Boys, Rory joined the cast in 2019 as John 'Bosco' Walsh - a character known for his kind-hearted personality, wit and comedic timing. Rory brought warmth, humour and depth to the role, quickly becoming a much-loved member of the Fair City family.
"His contribution to the series, both on-screen and behind the scenes, has been greatly valued by colleagues and viewers alike. Rory will be missed by the cast, crew and fans across the country. We extend our thanks to him for his time on Fair City and wish him every happiness and fulfilment in his retirement."
At the time of joining Fair City back in 2019, Rory said he was a long-time fan of the soap. He explained: "Since the very beginning, thirty years ago, yes I have been a fan. But for a good few years, when I was touring the world with Mrs Brown's Boys, I lost touch with what was happening in Carrigstown.
"But when I left Mrs Brown's Boys to care for my mother, who had dementia, I got back into watching it again. Myself and my ma used to watch the omnibus on Sunday afternoons.
"I've lovely memories of those Sundays with my mam watching Fair City." For Rory, comedy acting and working on a soap are two different beasts.
"The timing and pace is different. It's another skill altogether," he added. "So acting in Fair City is totally different to acting in Mrs Brown's Boys, but that's what I find so interesting about it.
"If I'd been asked to go into another situation comedy I probably would have said no, but being offered a role in Fair City was never going to be something I'd refuse." In 2024, Rory took part in Dancing With The Stars, and shared his plans to retire in the near future.
The actor and TV personality will turn 66 in July, and recently told Extra.ie that while he is retiring from showbiz, he will "still be around" - joking he will be "a bit older but not wiser."
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