'Extra proud to be a Buckley today', Jessie's Cork family her biggest fans

Like the entire nation, Jessie Buckley’s Cork cousins have followed her acting career from local performances to the global stage.

On Sunday night, they joined other family members and well-wishers in Killarney’s Arbutus Hotel for an Oscars’ viewing party as Buckley became the first Irish woman to win a best actress Academy award, for her role in Hamnet.

Buckley is the latest Irish success at the Oscars, following Cillian Murphy’s best actor award in 2024.

Rory Buckley, Jessie’s cousin and manager of the Castle Hotel in Macroom, told The Echo that the moment Jessie was announced as an Oscars winner will remain etched in the memories of her family and friends.

Proud

He said: “You are extra proud to be a Buckley today. Seeing the reaction, everyone in Ireland is really proud of her. We were immensely proud, as a family, to see her up on that stage.”

“The Oscars is something you hear about every year, with these famous Hollywood actors and actresses. But you never really expect it to be one of your own, like a cousin of yours.

“When her name was called out, to see her up on the stage giving such a lovely speech and still being the same person that everyone knew, it was just pure pride,” he added.

“There were a few tears in the room and everyone’s eyes were kind of watery, just to see that dream achieved.”

There was also a little Tinseltown sparkle for Baile Mhúirne composer Iarla Ó Lionáird, who worked as a vocalist, arranger, and musical consultant on Sinners, the film that won the Oscar for best original score.

Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller , the first film in history to receive 16 Oscar nominations, won four awards, including best actor for Michael B Jordan.

Power of Music

Mr Ó Lionáird told The Echo that his role in the film had been very small, but very interesting.

“Any movie that’s fundamentally about the power of music is of interest to me,” he said.

“It was a pleasure working with Serena and Ludwig Göransson, the composer, although I worked with them at arm’s length. They were in Los Angeles, I was at home, and they were beautiful to work with.”

Mr Ó Lionáird paid tribute to Jessie Buckley’s “crowning achievement”.

“She’s won every major award the acting world has to offer, and it’s testament just to her greatness as an artist,” he said.

“I couldn’t be happier for Jessie, and we should all be so happy for her.”