‘I have to pinch myself’ — Kilmainhamwood mother’s pride as Jessie Buckley earns Oscar nod

Kilmainhamwood woman Marina Cassidy has spoken of her pride and emotion after her daughter Jessie Buckley was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, describing the moment as one she still has to “pinch” herself to believe.

“An incredibly proud day as we all celebrate Jessie’s Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Very emotional and proud to be her mom and to see how her talent, incredibly hard work and dedication to creativity in the powerful art form of film is earning her recognition on the world stage. I have to pinch myself as I watch her and say, ‘That’s my beautiful little girl,’” she said.

Kilmainhamwood is celebrating following Buckley’s Oscar nomination, which comes on the back of her recent Golden Globe win for her role in Hamnet. The news has brought particular pride to the north Meath village, where Ms Cassidy grew up and which she has previously described as being very close to her heart.

Ms Cassidy, a primary school teacher who previously taught at Dunshaughlin National School and now lives in Co Kerry, had earlier spoken to the Meath Chronicle following her daughter’s Golden Globe success.

“I grew up in Kilmainhamwood, so that area and Meath are very close to my heart. I am incredibly happy for Jessie and, of course, so proud of her and the whole Hamnet cast on this wonderful achievement,” she said.

Ms Cassidy is the daughter of Thomas and Kathleen Cassidy (née Farrelly) of Kilmainhamwood and studied music at Mount Sackville Convent in Dublin, where she developed a strong appreciation for the arts — a passion she later passed on to her family.

Jessie Buckley, one of Ireland’s most acclaimed screen and stage performers, won the Golden Globe for Best Actress earlier this month and has now secured a Best Actress Oscar nomination, placing her among the strongest contenders for Hollywood’s most prestigious film honour.

Her accolades also include an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her acclaimed performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret in London’s West End.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan congratulated Buckley on what he described as a deserved Oscar nomination for her role in Hamnet.

“Jessie is a supremely talented actor who has demonstrated her incredible range in films such as The Lost Daughter, Wild Rose and Women Talking, as well as television series including Chernobyl and Fargo,” he said.

“I wish Jessie the very best of luck and every possible success at the Academy Awards ceremony on 15 March. The whole of Killarney, Kerry and Ireland will be cheering her on.”

Minister O’Donovan also congratulated Coleraine author Maggie O’Farrell, whose novel Hamnet has been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, and praised the success of several other Irish nominees, including productions supported through Section 481 tax relief.

He said Ireland’s continued international success in film, television and animation reflects sustained investment in the screen industries, adding that he is committed to ensuring that support continues.