Retired Limerick detective remembered as ‘life and soul’ of the party

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the late Limerick detective and lover of the arts, Oliver Stapleton.
 
Surrounded by his adoring family, Oliver passed away peacefully on Wednesday.
 
Originally from Lismore in County Waterford, he moved to Limerick in the seventies and eventually settled in Monaleen.
 
A former head of the Limerick divisional drugs unit, he was known in Limerick for his love of the arts, as he performed in many shows at the Belltable and University Concert Hall.
 
Described as a “jovial character,” the performer was part of the Cecilian Musical Society, the Shannon Musical Society, and the Limerick Panto Society. Later on, he also worked as an entertainer on cruise ships.
 
His friend and show director from the Limerick Panto Society, Tony Cusack, remembered ‘Ollie’ as someone who was “always in good form.”
 
“We worked together for many years. I first became aware of Ollie because he used to do an Elvis Presley impersonation. Then in the Savoy Theatre in 1988, the last show there, Ollie sang all things and led a big scene with the orchestra, the participants in the show and the audience, that was quite moving.”
 
“We learned an awful lot from him, he was a great performer. He was a real big man, a jovial character, and an extremely talented and fine actor with a great vocal range,” Tony recalled.

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Remembering the man who sang at his wedding, Tony added: “He had a very responsible job with the drug squad, but then, he’d come into rehearsal, and he’d be the life and soul of the party. He’d be the guy who would cheer you up if you were in a bad mood, he was always in good form.”
 
Pat Kearney from Rooney Auctioneers met the “magnificent showman” when he moved to Limerick. “I knew Oliver for many, many, years. He was an excellent detective. He always gave off his best, but above all, he was a magnificent entertainer and showman,” he noted.
 
“Everyone loved Oliver. When you went to a concert, you were guaranteed a great night's entertainment. There were many concerts where he was really a top class attraction and was immaculately dressed. He was great at Elvis songs, he was great at shows, and a natural actor and singer,” added Pat.
 
“So sorry to hear of the death of Oliver Stapleton. Performed with him many times as a young fella. One of the soundest fellas you could meet. His portrayal of Miles Gloriosus in 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' will stay with me forever,” wrote Nigel Dugdale in tribute.
 
Described as a “great family man,” Oliver will be sadly missed by his wife Carole, daughters Yvonne, Elaine, Olivia, Laura and extended family. 
 
Requiem Mass for Oliver will take place this Saturday, April 22, at 1pm at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Milford, Castletroy. It will be live-streamed here. Funeral afterwards at Shannon Crematorium.
 
Family flowers only, and donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre.