Niamh Cassidy

Infobox soap character
name = Niamh Cassidy
series =Fair City
colour=#99CCCC;
first =
spouse = Paul Brennan (separated)
parents= Gina Cassidy (mother)
siblings = Sean Cassidy (brother)
Kira Cassidy (sister)
Caitriona Cassidy (sister)
cousins = Orla Kirwan
niece/nephews = Juliet Cassidy (nieces)
occupation =
residence =
portrayer = Clelia Murphy

Niamh Cassidy (previously Brennan) is a fictional character in the soap opera "Fair City", portrayed by Clelia Murphy.

Fictional character biography

When Niamh was still a student in secondary school, she was infatuated with her teacher Barry O'Hanlon and they had a passionate clinch. When Niamh lied that Barry seduced her, he nearly lost his job, but she eventually told the truth. Niamh later had an affair with Leo Dowling, but she decided to leave him when she became pregnant with Leo's child and had an abortion. She got back together with Barry and became engaged. Derek Devlin kidnapped her and Barry rescued her, but as the wedding day was approaching, Niamh started to have second thoughts and she realised that she was in love with Paul Brennan, who was Barry's best friend. The wedding was called off, but Niamh initially decided to stay in a relationship with Barry, but she then broke up with him in public and continued her affair with Paul. When Barry found out that Niamh had been two-timing him with his best friend, he began a downward spiral and spent Christmas at home drinking and feeling depressed. Niamh and Paul was shocked to see a depressed Barry arrive at their house. Nicola, disgusted by this, wanted Niamh out of their computer business, Blue Dolphin. When the company merged with Industrial Illusions, their representative, Conor, wanted to downsize Blue Dolphin, getting rid of Niamh in the process. Niamh, knowing that Conor had bullied her, was horrified. Donal resigned and Niamh's job was saved. After Blue Dolphin ended its merger with Industrial Illusions, Nicola decided to become freelance, while the others continued running Blue Dolphin. When Niamh found out that Nicola had a one-night stand with Paul, their rivalry intensified. When Derek was released from prison in 2004, he began a relationship with Niamh, who was on the re-bound. She planned to leave Blue Dolphin and set up a company with him, but Derek became involved in criminal activity and met his death when he was killed by a criminal gang. She sold her shares in Blue Dolphin.

In 2005, Niamh found herself befriending Nicola when her old rival was diagnosed with breast cancer. She helped Nicola get through her ordeal of beating the cancer and dealing with the fact that her sister Philippa had an affair with her boyfriend Donal Maher. When Nicola was preparing to leave Carrigstown in 2006, she couldn't find the right moment to tell her best friend. When Niamh found out, she was infuriated, but she bid Nicola farewell. Niamh later found out that her cousin Orla Kirwan was having an affair with William Russell. Seamus McAleer, Orla's boyfriend, found out about the affair and threw her out. When Niamh purchased Nicola's house, the pair moved in together and began a business partnership.

In February 2007, Niamh had a brief relationship with a business associate, but she discovered that he was a bisexual when Keith McGrath told her. After breaking up with Sean, Niamh began developing feelings for Keith when she saw him with his girlfriend Una Lehane. When Keith kissed Niamh in June 2007, he grew tired of Una's questions and subsequently dumped her, explaining that he had found someone else. Niamh and Keith then got together and were happy. At Christmas, Niamh found out that Keith had spent the night with Una but didnt sleep with her. However in March 2008, she was devastated when Keith broke up with her and she later found out that he had slept with Una while they were together.

In July 2008, Niamh began flirting with Rory Goff. When he ended his relationship with Carol Meehan, they got together. However, Niamh made an enemy in Carol who is bitter from losing her assets to the Criminal Assets Bureau. In August 2008, Niamh began looking after Rachel Brennan. This sparked jealousy in Rory as Niamh was spending time with Rachel's father Paul who was still Niamh's husband. Niamh then realised she needed to separate herself from Paul so asked for a divorce. She kept putting pressure on him and he ended up having a heart attack. Niamh was distraught seeing Paul in pain and comforted Rachel.

External links

* [http://www.rte.ie/tv/faircity/niamh.html Profile of Niamh Cassidy at www.rte.ie]