Killarney Celebrates as Jessie Buckley Makes Oscar History for Ireland
The town of Killarney in County Kerry has been swept up in celebrations after local actress Jessie Buckley secured a historic victory at the 98th Academy Awards. Buckley, who was born in Killarney, became the first Irish actress ever to win the Oscar for Best Actress, taking home the prestigious award for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in the film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel Hamnet.
A Night of Pride and Celebration
While Buckley's immediate family attended the ceremony in Los Angeles, approximately sixty close friends and extended family members gathered at the family's Arbutus Hotel and bar in Killarney to watch the broadcast. The atmosphere was described as electric, with the hotel lobby later transformed into a radio studio for RTE interviews about Buckley's upbringing and career.
The hallway was adorned with a giant picture of Jessie, a poster for Hamnet, and celebratory balloons, embodying the star's message to those back home: "Don't go to bed, keep partying."
Emotional Reunion and Growing Tension
Buckley's cousin, Brendan Fuller, described the scene as a carnival from the very beginning. "It was like a reunion and get together, and there was tuxedos and dresses and glitz and glam and everything," he told the Press Association. He noted that the bar was filled with people who had been part of "Jessie's journey," some unseen since her appearance on the BBC show I'd Do Anything in 2008.
Despite initial confidence, Fuller admitted the room grew increasingly tense as the ceremony progressed. "It just got shakier and shakier in the room, it went from chatter to kind of a bit more of a simmer down," he said, describing the moments before the Best Actress announcement as "really just tense and quiet and nervy." When Buckley's name was called, disbelief momentarily took hold. "I heard it was her name, Jess Buckley, but I was still trying to look around people to make sure it was her that was getting up off her seat," Fuller recalled.
Inspiration for a New Generation
The win has been hailed as a monumental inspiration for young people in Kerry and beyond. Fiona Crowley, who runs a Killarney stage school where Buckley once worked, emphasized the significance. "It's huge for younger people," she stated, explaining that children can now look to Buckley and think, "God, maybe I could do that."
Crowley highlighted the importance of Buckley's authenticity. "You don't have to have a fake accent, you don't have to have a fake body, you don't have to have a fake persona. You can actually just be yourself and isn't that what shines in the end."
Local Roots and Unchanged Character
Marie Moloney, deputy chair of Kerry County Council and a lifetime member of the Killarney Musical Society, expressed immense pride. Having known Buckley since childhood, Moloney traced her start to the society's children's chorus in 2000. "We feel that we gave her a little kickstart in life, brought her into the world of nominations and awards," she said.
Moloney stressed that the Oscar-winning actress remains unchanged. "The Jessie Buckley you see on the Oscar stage, or on any stage is the Jessie Buckley that left Killarney 18 years ago... She's still the Jessie Buckley we all love and adore." She described Buckley as "friendly, kind, full of fun, and a little bit of devilment thrown in there, too."
Moloney was moved by Buckley's acceptance speech, calling it a "beautiful tribute for women and to mothers all around the world." She sees the win as a powerful lesson: "It just goes to show that if you have the belief and the passion and the will to do it and hard work, you can achieve that." She hopes it will inspire local youth to pursue their own dreams.
A Civic Honour Awaits
In recognition of her historic achievement, Kerry County Council has approved a civic reception to honour Jessie Buckley upon her return to Killarney, cementing the town's pride in its celebrated daughter.
