Killarney's Pride Swells as Jessie Buckley Eyes Oscar Victory
The picturesque town of Killarney in County Kerry is alive with excitement and local pride as its native daughter, actress Jessie Buckley, stands on the brink of Oscar history. The 36-year-old star is nominated for the Best Actress award at the 98th Academy Awards for her acclaimed performance as Agnes Shakespeare in the film Hamnet, and her hometown is rallying behind her with fervent support.
A Town Adorned with Celebratory Spirit
In the vibrant tourist hub of Killarney, already bustling with visitors ahead of St Patrick's Day, the celebratory atmosphere is unmistakable. Shop windows proudly display flags in the distinctive Kerry colours, adorned with Buckley's image and posters wishing her success. Banners promoting the town's St Patrick's Day parade even feature her draped in a verdant cloak, blending local tradition with Hollywood glamour.
At Cronin's butcher's, a prominent poster boldly proclaims: "Sam's home, Oscar is on the way," a clever nod to the Sam Maguire Cup, the Gaelic football championship trophy won by Kerry last year. Denis Cronin, the proprietor, noted that while a flag is always hoisted for football triumphs, the Oscars represent "the next best thing." He shared heartfelt memories of Buckley's family, explaining that her grandmother once owned the Arbutus Hotel, which the family still operates. "We would have delivered to her grandmother 40 years ago, and her father as well," he told the Press Association. "She started out the same as every child—her thing was acting, the next person's thing is football—but she's hopefully come to the top of her acting career, thanks be to god."
Local Businesses and Community Embrace the Buzz
The Dungeon Bookshop, Kerry's largest second-hand bookstore, has a poster wishing Buckley well in its window, while the front page of the local newspaper, Kerry's Eye, declares: "Hollywood, Here We Come!" Maggie O'Connor, who works at the shop opposite the Buckley family's hotel, described the local woman's success as "amazing." She remarked, "It's great to see someone get out and do so brilliantly, between all the awards she won. It would be amazing now for the town if she won, well for herself really—it's the biggest achievement you'll ever get." O'Connor praised Buckley's down-to-earth nature, noting she remains true to her roots despite the fame.
Hazel O'Malley, owner of Hazel's Nuts About Vintage, expressed that it's "really exciting" for Killarney, highlighting the town's long history with film, dating back to the O'Kalem films. Her shop features a shelf with cards depicting film stars and musicians as saints, including Paul Mescal, Buckley's co-star in Hamnet. O'Malley quipped, "We need to get an upgrade and add her to our All Saints!" She suggested that Killarney, also the childhood home of actor Michael Fassbender, fosters a spirit of creativity, with the surrounding national park inspiring residents to think bigger.
National Support and Family Celebrations
Irish premier Micheál Martin extended his good wishes to Buckley from the United States, where he is engaged in diplomatic events for St Patrick's Day weekend. He stated, "We wish Jessie Buckley every success this evening at the Oscars, which would really cap off a great week for the Irish and for Ireland." Meanwhile, Buckley's parents, Tim Buckley and Marina Cassidy, along with her sister Lily, are set to attend the Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The Buckley family's bar will close from 7pm, allowing the family to gather elsewhere and watch the awards collectively.
Regardless of the outcome, the town's pride is unwavering. As O'Connor noted, "Oh definitely, even to get the nomination for the award is better than winning the All-Ireland. Sure, how many people in Ireland can say they've gotten a nomination for an Oscar? You couldn't ask for any more excitement in the town than that." O'Malley echoed this sentiment, concluding, "She's a winner anyway—it's amazing what she's done for the town and the lift she's given." With anticipation building, Killarney stands united in celebration of its local star's remarkable journey to Hollywood's biggest night.
