T.P. McKenna
T.P. McKenna: Mullagh’s Gift to Stage and Screen
Thomas Patrick McKenna, affectionately known as T.P., was born in 1929 in the small town of Mullagh, County Cavan. From humble beginnings as the eldest of ten children in a close-knit family, McKenna grew to become one of Ireland’s most versatile and beloved actors. Educated at Mullagh School and St Patrick’s College, Cavan, he discovered his love for performance through school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas, where he first showcased his rich voice. Despite starting his career in banking, it was clear that the stage was where his heart truly lay.
In the 1950s, McKenna took the bold step to leave banking and follow his passion for acting. He began his professional journey in Dublin’s theatre scene, quickly earning a place at the iconic Abbey Theatre, where he performed over 70 roles during an eight-year tenure. His natural talent for both comedy and drama made him a standout, particularly in the works of Ireland’s greatest playwrights like J.M. Synge, Seán O’Casey, and Brian Friel.
McKenna’s big break came in 1963 when he travelled to London with a production of Stephen D, an adaptation of James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This success opened doors to British television and stage, where he became a familiar face. From The Avengers to Inspector Morse, and films like Straw Dogs and Anne of the Thousand Days, McKenna’s imposing presence and unforgettable voice made him a favourite with audiences.
Yet, despite his success abroad, T.P. never lost his connection to Ireland. He returned to perform regularly in Dublin, often at the Gate Theatre, where he received critical acclaim in roles like Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya and Friel’s Molly Sweeney. His warmth and modesty made him a cherished figure, both on and off the stage.
Beyond his acting, McKenna’s deep, resonant voice was frequently heard on BBC Radio dramas and in audiobook recordings of Irish literary classics. His contribution to the arts extended to directing, with productions of The Playboy of the Western World and The Shadow of a Gunman.
T.P. McKenna passed away in 2011, but his legacy continues to live on in Mullagh and beyond. In his home county of Cavan, he is remembered through the T.P. McKenna Drama Scholarships and the T.P. McKenna Perpetual Trophy, awarded at the Millrace Annual Drama Festival.