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SALT LAKE CITY — Because it’s St. Patrick's Day, we are honoring seven of our favorite Irish performers — the ones who have become the pride of the emerald hills of their homeland.
These talented folks have certainly made a name for themselves, but one of the most fun things about these Irishmen and women is the names of the cities in which they were raised. (Evanna Lynch especially.) Learn more about them below.
U2 — Formed in Dublin
U2 won a talent show in Limerick on St. Patrick’s Day in 1978, and the prize was to record a demo that would be heard by CBS Ireland. The band has several songs about Irish political unrest and has always stayed true to its roots, even after becoming superstars.
Colin Farrell — Hometown: Castleknock, Dublin
Honored by the Irish Film and Television Awards, Farrell's onscreen most Irish moment was as a fisherman who catches a mysterious woman who might be magical in "Ondine." Offscreen, he’s been known to promote the image of an Irish rogue with lots of good-natured messing about.
Saoirse Ronan — Irish Roots: Has Irish parents and moved to Carlow at age three As a 19-year-old, Ronan (first name pronounced "sir-sha") fairly burst onto the scene when her supporting role in “Atonement” earned her an Oscar nomination. Ronan rarely plays an Irishwoman and indeed is known for her proficiency with accents. But she still wears the green. She said she was proud to be one of two "Irish paddies" who were nominated for an Oscar for "Atonement."
Kenneth Branagh — Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Early in life, his family relocated to Reading, Berkshire to avoid the Troubles and he adopted an English accent to avoid bullying. Nonetheless, he has said you cannot take the Belfast out of a boy and identifies with his Irish heritage. Branagh was honored with knighthood in 2012, for his services to drama and the community of Northern Ireland. He is the honorary president of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, which organizes and recognizes all volunteer organizations in the region.
Liam Neeson — Born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Although he has played Aslan, Oskar Schindler (of Schindler's list fame) and Zeus, Neeson also played Michael Collins, an Irish revolutionary from the 1920's. Winning several awards for the role, he did Ireland proud. However, Neeson's biggest contribution to the Irish may have been as a forklift operator for Guinness. Just kidding. But that's still pretty awesome.
Niall Horan — Born in Mullingar In a band full of Englishman, Horan waves his Irish pride flag regularly. In the One Direction documentary “This Is Us,” Horan told the camera and bandmate Harry Styles, “Ireland is the best country in the world, hands down.” He is also frequently found tweeting encouragement for his favorite Irish rugby and football teams. His band won the Global Success award this year at the Brits, putting the fivesome among the most successful artists of 2013.
Enya — Born in Gweedore
This songstress has several Grammys and an Oscar, and is Ireland’s best-selling solo musician. Born Eithne Ni Bhraonain, Enya got her start by singing and speaking in Irish on various tracks, including one for fellow Irish artist Sinead O’Connor. Most recently known for providing haunting songs for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Enya is now a household name.
Honorary Irish folk
Olivia Wilde has an Irish father and her stage name is a nod to another famous Irishman — Oscar Wilde. She also studied at Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin. Daniel Day-Lewis was born in London, but has dual citizenship in Ireland and England. In his Oscar-winning role in "My Left Foot," he plays an Irishman. Michael Fassbender was born in Germany but moved to Northern Ireland when he was 2, thanks to his Irish mother. He played Michael Collins in the 2006 play "Allegiance." And finally, Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series, was born in Termonfeckin, County Louth, Ireland. Termonfeckin. You're welcome.
