Killarney Buzzes with Pride as Jessie Buckley Eyes Oscar Glory
The charming town of Killarney in County Kerry is abuzz with excitement and a deep sense of local pride as it gears up to celebrate one of its own, Jessie Buckley, on the eve of the 98th Academy Awards. The 36-year-old actress, renowned for her captivating performance as Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet, is widely considered a strong contender for the Best Actress Oscar, a prospect that has sent ripples of anticipation through her picturesque hometown.
Killarney, already a vibrant tourist destination and on the cusp of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, is awash with a palpable festive spirit. Shop windows are adorned with the distinctive green and gold colours of Kerry, proudly displaying images of Buckley alongside heartfelt messages wishing her success. Banners promoting the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade even feature her likeness, draped in a regal green cloak.
A particularly spirited declaration can be found at Cronin’s butcher shop, where a prominent poster boldly proclaims: “Sam’s home, Oscar is on the way.” This clever nod to the Sam Maguire Cup, recently clinched by the Kerry Gaelic football team, highlights the immense local enthusiasm for Buckley’s potential Academy Award win, which proprietor Denis Cronin likens to “the next best thing” to sporting triumph.
“The buzz around town is fantastic,” Cronin shared. “She’s a local girl, from a well-known local family. Her grandmother used to own the Arbutus Hotel, and the family still owns it. We’ve been delivering to her grandmother for forty years, and her father too. From a young age, acting was her passion, just as football is for some others, but she’s now hopefully reached the pinnacle of her acting career. It would be a tremendous boost for Killarney if she wins, leading to a wonderful celebration and making for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day.”
At The Dungeon Bookshop, which proudly bills itself as Kerry’s largest second-hand bookstore, a similar sentiment prevails. A poster wishing Buckley well graces the window, and the local newspaper, Kerry’s Eye, has declared: “Hollywood, Here We Come!”
Maggie O’Connor, an employee at the bookshop located directly opposite the Buckley family’s hotel and bar, described Buckley’s success as “nothing short of amazing.”
“It’s inspiring to see someone from here achieve so much, especially with all the accolades she’s already received,” O’Connor commented. “An Oscar win would be incredible for the town, and of course, for her. It’s arguably the greatest achievement an actor can aspire to. What’s truly remarkable is seeing someone with such fame remain so grounded. She embodies the spirit of Killarney and Kerry, staying true to her roots without any pretence of glitz and glamour.”
O’Connor added that even if the Oscar doesn’t materialise, the town’s pride in her achievements is unwavering. “Absolutely, even securing an Oscar nomination is a monumental feat, arguably surpassing winning an All-Ireland title in terms of national recognition. How many people in Ireland can say they’ve been nominated for an Oscar? The excitement it has generated in Killarney is unparalleled.”
Hazel O’Malley, proprietor of Hazel’s Nuts About Vintage, echoed the sentiment of excitement. “It’s truly thrilling for Killarney. Our town has a rich connection to filmmaking, dating back to the O’Kalem films, and has been a hub for many involved in the industry. It’s fantastic to see someone pursue their dreams so passionately and reach the level of the Oscars. It’s simply amazing.”
Her shop features a unique display of cards depicting film stars and musicians as saints, notably including Paul Mescal, Buckley’s co-star in Hamnet.
“We might need to add her to our ‘All Saints’ collection!” O’Malley quipped about Buckley. She also noted that Killarney, the childhood home of German-Irish actor Michael Fassbender, seems to cultivate a fertile ground for creativity. “This town has always attracted visitors and new perspectives, fostering a belief that anything is possible because the world has come to us, enabling us to reach out to the world. Nestled within the national park, the wild and free landscape undoubtedly stirs creativity and encourages bigger thinking.”
Ultimately, O’Malley believes that the outcome of the Oscars ceremony is secondary to the immense pride Killarney feels. “She’s already a winner in our eyes – her accomplishments and the incredible lift she’s given to the town are simply remarkable.”
Jessie Buckley’s parents, Tim Buckley and Marina Cassidy, along with her sister, Lily, are expected to be in attendance at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the prestigious ceremony. To accommodate their attendance, the Buckley family’s bar will close its doors from 7pm, allowing the family to gather and watch the awards together.
Irish Premier Micheál Martin, currently in the United States for diplomatic engagements, extended his well wishes to Buckley on Sunday, coinciding with the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. “We wish Jessie Buckley every success at the Oscars this evening,” he stated at the Philadelphia parade. “A win would truly cap off a fantastic week for Irish people and for Ireland.”
