Kilmainhamwood pride as Jessie Buckley wins historic Oscar

There was huge pride in Kilmainhamwood this morning as Jessie Buckley won the Academy Award for Best Actress — a moment of celebration for the north Meath village where the actress’s family roots run deep.

Buckley’s mother, Marina Cassidy, grew up in Kilmainhamwood and has previously spoken of her strong connection to the area.

The Kerry-born actress took home the Oscar for her performance as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, the acclaimed film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel directed by Chloé Zhao.

In an emotional acceptance speech at the ceremony in Los Angeles, Buckley thanked her family and spoke warmly about motherhood, dedicating the award to “the beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart”.

She also paid tribute to her husband Fred and their young daughter, joking: “You’re the most incredible dad. You’re my best friend and I want to have 20,000 more babies with you.”

The news has brought particular pride to Kilmainhamwood, where Ms Cassidy grew up and which she has previously described as being very close to her heart.

Marina, 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.

Marina 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.

Buckley’s Oscar win caps an extraordinary awards season for the 36-year-old, who had already secured major honours including the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice awards for her performance.