'Irish Emmerdale' soap star couple who were plagued by affair scandal

The soap opera The Riordans, which first aired in 1965, inspired s long-running soap . It aired for over a decade on RTÉ (Radio and Television of Ireland) and followed middle-aged parents, Tom (played by John Cowley) and Mary Riordan (Moira Deady).

Their eldest son Benjy (Tom Hickey), son Michael (Chris O'Neill) and daughter Jude (Rebecca Wilkinson), who left farming for other careers. Despite its notable farming backdrop, the show was almost plagued with controversy as two of its stars were embroiled in an affair scandal. Before taking on his lead role as Tom, Cowley joined his eventual co-star in getting back at her cheating husband by having an affair with him.

The scandal reportedly started with Irish actor and prominent playwright Louis D'Alton, who was married to actress Ann Mulhall.

However, their marriage was tarnished by Louis having an affair with actress and The Mutations star Eithne Dunn.

In an effort to get back at her estranged husband, Ann responded by embarking on her own affair with Cowley, which eventually ended her relationship with Louis.

While he continued working in theatre until his death in 1951, Ann married the Riordans' actor in 1953.

Together, they went on to gain recognition in the industry after both starring in The Riordans, while Cowley led the cast as Tom, and Ann portrayed Minnie Brennan.

The couple welcomed one son together, Ultan Cowley and stayed married until Ann's death in 1983.

After the beloved Irish soap ended in 1979, Cowley returned to the stage and continued working until his death in 1998.

At the time, he was rehearsing with Galway's Druid Theatre Company for their production of Brian Friel's play, Philadelphia Here I Come.

During his career, the actor also appeared in a number of feature films, including Jim Sheridan's The Field, an adaptation of John B. Keane's play, and the 1997 film The Boxer.