Jessie Buckley’s old secondary school filled with ‘immense pride’ after Oscar win

Sarah Slater

The Co Tipperary secondary school where actor Jessie Buckley attended has said it is filled with “immense pride and honour” following her best actress win at the Oscars.

The Kerry native scooped the Academy Award for her role in Hamnet, making her the first Irish woman to win in the category in Los Angeles overnight.

Buckley attended Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles, and the principal of the school, Triona Gleeson, said they are “immensely proud” of their past pupil.

Ms Gleeson said that Buckley’s “tender, intuitive and resilient portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet” brought her this accolade and marks “an extraordinary high point” in what has been a “stunning” career to date.

The principal said that following the Oscar winner’s “remarkable” career trajectory has filled the entire school community with “great pride,” and her work has brought honour to the school community through her remarkable passion, talent and commitment to her craft.

Ms Gleeson recounted that from their school stage and onto the world stage, Buckley’s success is “testament to her exceptional ability and hard work.”

“She has always been, and is now more than ever, an inspiration to all those associated with our school,” Ms Gleeson added.

“Jessie’s journey represents all of the values we cherish here in the Ursuline: excellence, dedication, creativity and humility. This win also exemplifies the potential we believe is in every one of our students.”

The famous past pupil visited the school in 2019, where she told students that as young girls they should “never be afraid of their own potential,” and reminded them that they are more powerful than they can even begin to imagine, explained Ms Gleeson.

“Jessie remains a shining example of this, and of what can be achieved with talent and dedication. We extend our warmest congratulations to Jessie, her family, and all who have supported her throughout her career.”

She said that the whole of the Ursuline community celebrates this “momentous achievement” with her and that they consider themselves “privileged to have been part of her journey.”

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