Killarney Awaits Historic Oscar Win for Local Star Jessie Buckley
If Jessie Buckley secures the Oscar for Best Actress this Sunday, County Kerry will have undeniable proof of a long-held belief: being born in this picturesque corner of Ireland is truly a divine blessing. The award would recognize Buckley's powerful performance in Hamnet, but for her hometown of Killarney, the pride traces back to her early days performing in local plays.
Community Pride and Celebrations
The excitement in Killarney is palpable, with the local newspaper Kerry's Eye declaring "Hollywood here we come!" This sentiment reflects the collective journey of Buckley, driven by her talent, determination, and deep-rooted connections to her community. As writer John B. Keane once humorously noted, Kerry heritage comes with an "awesome responsibility," a notion that will feel validated if Buckley makes history as the first Irish woman to win this prestigious award.
"Everyone will tune in – she's one of our own," said Sinead Van Bladel, a supermarket worker who crafted Jessie Buckley masks for her colleagues. This sense of ownership and pride is widespread, with bookies rating Buckley as the runaway favorite ahead of contenders like Rose Byrne and Emma Stone.
Historical Context and High Stakes
Currently, the only Irish women to have won acting Oscars are Brenda Fricker in 1990 for Best Supporting Actress and Maureen O'Hara, who received an honorary award in 2014. Buckley's potential victory would break new ground, adding to the anticipation. However, amidst the celebrations, an unspoken question lingers among family and friends: what if she doesn't win? One anonymous source expressed concern, saying, "Oh God, the disappointment. We'd of course still be proud but can you imagine the anticlimax?"
To channel the excitement positively, Radio Kerry launched a €1,000 prize for the most creative good luck messages, inspiring a wave of artistic tributes including songs, poems, and sand art. A group of children with special needs shared heartfelt words like "brave," "inspired," and "seen" to describe how Buckley makes them feel. Even Taoiseach Micheál Martin recorded a supportive message.
Local Impact and Family Traditions
The outcome will significantly influence St. Patrick's Day festivities, with some in Killarney joking about declaring a new bank holiday or granting Buckley the freedom of Kerry and free beer in every bar if she wins. Well-wishers and TV crews have flocked to the Arbutus hotel, established by Buckley's great-grandparents and still family-owned. Bartender Denis O'Connor noted, "It's all go, all week. It's great for Kerry and great for the young – she's a role model. For all her movies, she never forgot her roots."
Carol Dempsey, Buckley's aunt, revealed that Buckley's bar will close to the public at 7 pm on Sunday, allowing relatives and close friends to gather privately and watch the Los Angeles ceremony. "This isn't a media spectacle for us," Dempsey explained. "We want to celebrate the essence of Jessie and this moment. We're not shouters, we like to whisper." She emphasized that accolades, while important, aren't everything, adding a family phrase: "While many feel that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, we feel that for Jessie it's in the heart of the possessor."
Reflections on Buckley's Journey
At the tourist office, Finola White has created a gallery of Buckley images, admiring a Vogue photo essay that showcases the star in baroque outfits. "The clothes are amazing, but she still looks like Jessie," White remarked. Buckley's path to stardom began early, with teachers describing her as "grámhar" (full of heart), always eager to participate in sports, singing, and dancing. From local musical societies to training at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, her dedication has been unwavering.
John Fitzgerald, 65, enjoying a pint at Buckley's bar, highlighted her Kerry roots and relentless work ethic. "She's been on the go for 20 years," he said, noting that her upbringing and commitment have given her a unique edge in Hollywood. As Killarney holds its breath, the town stands united in support, ready to celebrate a historic moment for one of their own.
