Fair City’s Una Crawford O’Brien Shares Heartbreaking Insight into Partner Bryan Murray’s Alzheimer’s Battle.

Fair City star Una Crawford O’Brien has opened up about the emotional challenges she faces as her partner, Bryan Murray, battles Alzheimer’s disease. Speaking candidly, Una revealed how difficult it can be when Bryan, her long-term partner and fellow Fair City actor, sometimes doesn’t recognise her due to his progressing illness.

Both Una and Bryan are well-known faces on RTÉ’s hit soap Fair City, where Bryan, 75, portrays the character Bob Charles. Despite his health struggles, Bryan continues to work on the show with the help of a chaperone and assistance with his lines as his Alzheimer’s advances.

Reflecting on Bryan’s condition, Una told the Irish Sunday Mirror, “Bryan has been diagnosed five years now, and he’s not the person he was five years ago. It’s taken hold of him.” She added that despite Bryan’s cheery responses to people asking about his health, he no longer remembers much of his condition. “He’s progressed quite considerably.”

Una has taken on the role of carer, PA, and secretary for Bryan as his condition worsens. “Life has changed considerably. Every day is a learning experience for me. It’s a journey I certainly didn’t want to be on, but it’s a mystery tour, and every day brings something new.”

The actress, who plays Renee Phelan in the popular soap, met Bryan on the set of Fair City back in 2005, and the couple has been together ever since. Now, in a bid to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, Una is speaking out about the impact it has had on their lives, particularly during World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

One of the most difficult aspects of Bryan’s illness is when he doesn’t recognise her. “It’s very hard. The first time it happened, it was very difficult,” she shared. She recalled a recent instance, saying, “Last week, we were coming home, and he thanked me for driving him home. I said, ‘Sure, I live here as well,’ and he replied, ‘I don’t think so.'”