Bad Sisters' Sharon Horgan reveals devastating family loss in heartbreaking post
Sharon Horgan has shared the heartbreak she has been going through since she lost her beloved dad at Christmas, explaining why she hadn't posted on social media for a while.
The comedian and actor who wrote and starred in Bad Sisters and Catastrophe told her Instagram followers "I miss him terribly" as she shared some favourite happy photos with her dad. Motherland writer Sharon, 53, posted photos of herself with her parents at previous Irish Film and Television Academy awards, admitting that Saturday's ceremony had prompted her to let her fans know about his passing as so many people had shared their memories of him with her.
Sharon also posted some treasured family photos, including many of her smiling dad John hugging and tickling various children and grandchildren.
"I haven’t posted for a while," she wrote. "My darling dad died at Christmas and I hadn’t - and still haven’t - learned how to accept condolences properly. But I was at the IFTAs at the weekend and it was my first one without him and lots of people talked to me about having met my dad and what a gorgeous man he was. And he really was. Such a dude.
"I was so proud of him and how he could talk to anyone. I remember him bending Brian Gleeson’s ear last IFTAS about how characterfully he ate an egg and onion sandwich in Bad Sisters.
"He was my biggest cheerleader but also the best at levelling it all and reminding you not to get ahead of yourself that none of it matters. He loved nothing more than tickling a grandchild or having a pint in the sun. And he really rocked a hat."
Sharon continued: "I miss him terribly. Sending love to anyone who’s lost someone they love be recently or not so recently. Life is hard but it does go on. So. Back to posting photos, thanking people for dresses and what not and plugging my wares. Think he’d be happy with that."
Many of Sharon's followers offered their condolences, including her famous friends with Richard E. Grant posting a series of heart emojis.
Roisin Conaty wrote: "I’m so sorry my love, your Dad sounds like a wonderful man and he looks like an absolute charm bomb. My sincere condolences sending you so much love."
Carol Vorderman commented: "Your Dad sounds like the gift of laughter and proper loving. I'm sorry for your deep loss. No words can make it better but he must have been so loved, to be missed as much as he is. And he was quite rightly so proud of you. With love."
"Thank you so much for sharing this about your dad! Beautiful man. I lost mine I understand…." added Juliette Lewis, while her Bad Sisters co-star Eve Hewson commented: "Love you sis."
Commenting on the photos of John, Sally Carman wrote: "His whole face smiles, I love that." Lisa Snowdon agreed: "Big love Sharon. What a beautiful man with a big big heart and the most wonderful smile."
Paloma Faith told her: "Sending so much love. Xxx" and Sarah Millican added: "Sorry for your loss. Xx"
