ACTOR DIARMUID MAC An Adhastair has died at the age of 71.

He was best known for his role as Séamus Mhicil Tom on long-running TG4 soap opera Ros na Rún.

The character was known for his “loveable rogue” persona that was said to have “tormented the guards and authorities with his tricks, poaching and poitín making”.

He had featured on the Irish-language programme from its beginning in 1992.

He is survived by his wife Máirín, his two sons Caomhán and Diarmuid, and his daughter Gráinne.

In a statement this evening, the cast and crew of the programme has said that Diarmuid was, “An actor of the highest calibre, he influenced us greatly. He was a natural comedian, with his quick witted replies, gestures and how he would place his old cap on his head.”

Mac An Adhastair also spent part of his career in the theatre.