Michelle Dockery Says Goodbye to Fiancé at Memorial Service in Ireland

The private service was held three days after Dineen passed away on Sunday, December 13, at the Marymount Hospice in Cork. A number of media reports claimed the two had gotten engaged this year, though the news was not confirmed.

Downton Abbey star Dockery, clad all in black, bid farewell to Dineen inside the church of St. James at Ballinora in the rural Irish county, reported the Daily Mail. Dockery’s rep told the publication that the family was very grateful for the support and kindness they had received, but would have kindly requested that they were left to grieve in private.

The Emmy-nominated actress and Dineen, a PR professional, first met back in 2013 after being introduced by mutual friend, Downton star Allen Leech.

Her onscreen mother Elizabeth McGovern appeared on UK TV show Lorraine on Wednesday and said she would pass on the host’s message of condolence, replying, “I will. I’m sure she’ll appreciate that”. A funeral service is assumed to happen in Cork on December 16. They were introduced by her Downton co-star Allen Leech.

Dineen lived in London but returned to his native Ireland in early 2015 to be with his family after he was diagnosed with cancer.

The couple guarded their privacy closely, with the actress only briefly referring to the love of her life in an interview she gave over a year ago.

Ms Dockery, who turned 34 yesterday, is understood to have cut short a promotional tour in the U.S. for Downton Abbey to be at her fiancé’s side during his final days.

He also travelled to Germany for pioneering treatment after his diagnosis.

The firm’s United Kingdom head of strategic communications, John Waples, said colleagues were deeply saddened by his death and appealed for the family to be allowed to grieve in private.

She has thanked fans for their “kindness and support” following the tragic news.