Killarney, County Kerry, is brimming with anticipation as Jessie Buckley awaits the announcement of the best actress winner at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday. The nomination, for her performance in “Hamnet,” has ignited a wave of pride throughout the town, with locals preparing to celebrate the potential achievement of one of their own. From shop windows adorned with flags and posters to a butcher proudly proclaiming “Oscar is on the way,” the community is united in its support for Buckley.
The 36-year-old actress is considered a frontrunner for the award, having already garnered significant accolades for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare. Bookmakers currently rate Buckley as the favorite, ahead of Rose Byrne, Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve, according to reports. This isn’t just about an individual achievement; it’s a moment of collective hope and excitement for Killarney, a town already bustling with visitors in the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day.
“Everyone will tune in – she’s one of our own,” said Sinead Van Bladel, a supermarket worker who created Jessie Buckley masks for her colleagues, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for the actress. The sentiment echoes throughout the town, where Buckley’s roots are deeply intertwined with the local community.
A Town’s History with a Rising Star
Buckley’s connection to Killarney runs deep. Her family has a long history in the area, with her grandmother having owned the Arbutus Hotel, a local landmark still operated by the family. Denis Cronin, proprietor of Cronin’s butcher shop, recalled delivering meat to Buckley’s grandmother and father decades ago. “She started out the same as every child,” Cronin said, “her thing was acting, the next person’s thing is football, but she’s hopefully come to the top of her acting career, thanks be to god.” Cronin’s butcher shop displays a poster declaring, “Sam’s home, Oscar is on the way,” referencing Kerry’s recent Gaelic football championship win – a playful comparison highlighting the town’s pride in its champions.
The Arbutus Hotel itself is a focal point of the celebrations. Buckley’s father, Tim, grew up there, and the adjoining bar will close early on Sunday evening to allow family and friends to watch the ceremony together, according to reports. Carol Dempsey, Buckley’s aunt, emphasized the desire for a private and intimate celebration, stating, “This isn’t a media spectacle for us. We want to celebrate the essence of Jessie and this moment. We want to enjoy the loveliness that it is.”
A Community’s Creative Outpouring of Support
Radio Kerry has further fueled the excitement by offering a €1,000 (£864 as of March 15, 2026) prize for the most creative good luck messages for Buckley. The response has been overwhelming, with residents submitting songs, iced buns, plaques, poems, sand art, coffee foam creations, and crocheted wall hangings. A particularly touching contribution came from a group of children with special needs, each sharing a word to describe how Buckley makes them experience: “Brave,” “Inspired,” and “Seen.”
The town’s support extends beyond creative displays. A mural of Buckley has appeared in Killarney, and well-wishers and television crews have flocked to the Arbutus Hotel throughout the week. Finola White, at the local tourist office, noted that even in Vogue’s recent photo essay featuring Buckley in baroque outfits, “she still looks like Jessie,” highlighting the actress’s ability to remain grounded despite her rising fame.
Looking Ahead: St. Patrick’s Day and Beyond
The outcome of the Oscars will undoubtedly influence the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Killarney. Some residents have even suggested that a victory for Buckley could warrant a new bank holiday in Ireland, while others propose bestowing upon her the freedom of Kerry and a lifetime supply of free beer in local pubs. Whether Buckley wins or not, her aunt, Carol Dempsey, believes she will continue to thrive in her craft, stating, “Accolades are important but they’re not everything.”
As Jessie Buckley prepares to face the culmination of her awards season journey, Killarney stands united in its support, ready to celebrate not just a potential Oscar win, but the remarkable journey of a local girl who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The town eagerly awaits the results, knowing that regardless of the outcome, their pride in Jessie Buckley will remain unwavering.
