The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
HOLLYWOOD STAR BACK IN KILLARNEY
Geraldine Rosney and Rory D’Arcy, Muckross House Trustees, present hand woven scarfs and gifts from the Trustees during the 2016 Order of Innisfallen Award presentation to Michael in Muckross House Killarney on Friday.
HOLLYWOOD movie star Michael Fassbender returned to his roots last weekend as the Fossa native enjoyed a nostalgic trip down memory lane, meeting up with old friends who knew him long before the bright lights of Tinseltown claimed him.
Michael was accompanied on his visit by Oscar Award winning actress, Alicia Vikander, as the pair pressed the flesh and kindly stood for some precious photos for their adoring fans.
Killarney is extremely proud of its diaspora, so proud in fact that Michael was inducted into the Order of Innisfallen at a special ceremony at Muckross House on Friday afternoon for his achievements in the family industry. Michael spoke of his pride at receiving the prestigious accolade and he recalled, before a packed hall, his younger days at Fossa National School and later on at St Brendan’s College where he still keeps in touch with some of the friends he met during his school days.
“It was glaringly obvious how proud Michael was when accepting the order of Innisfallen award and he is extremely proud of his Killarney links,” said local hotelier and MC Mike Rosney.
The Fossa man thanked all gathered and mentioned several former mentors, including Donie Courtney who first got Michael caught up with the acting bug... and he duly referred to an impressive performance of Reservoir Dogs in Revells back in the day.
Later that evening over 250 people met for a Gala Ball organised by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce in honour of Michael which was held at The Europe Hotel & Resort.
The event was punctuated with plenty of glamour and photo opportunities which Michael duly obliged as guests enjoyed, quite literally, a star-studded evening.
“He is an absolute gem of a person and an extremely kind man. He is so down to earth and he kindly stood for photos all evening,” Mike continued.
“The Gala Ball was very successful and Michael is one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet. Michael was also joined by Oscar Award winner, Alicia, and Killarney was blessed to have two movie stars in the town last weekend,” he added.