The Homegrown Heroes We Can’t Get Enough Of

It’s the week to celebrate all things Irish – and we’re certainly not short of heroes to hail these days! From up-and-coming stars to the kings and queens of the screen, our little Atlantic outpost is responsible for some of the most praiseworthy performers around.

 

While there’s waaaay too many to mention, we figured it wouldn’t be right to let St. Patrick’s week pass without doffing the hat towards the domestic doyens lighting up our screens. So raise the tricolours and salute the men and women entertaining us all – home and abroad!

 

 

GRAHAM NORTON

The Graham Norton Show, Saturday nights on Virgin Media One, Virgin TV 103

 

He’s come a long way from Bandon, that’s for sure! The undisputed chatter-in-chief is now renowned the world over as having the most exciting talk show on the planet. It feels like he’s everyone’s best mate, too – though if you think you know him better than most, take our quiz on the man and prove it!

 

 

 

SAOIRSE RONAN

Brooklyn, available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €2.99

 

She may still be only 24 years old (how is that even possible?!), but the Oscar-nominated star is already pretty much the High Queen of Irish cinema. Nominated for three Oscars already, it’s surely only a matter of time before she bags a statuette – and we’d bet she won’t stop at just one, either!

 

 

 

EOIN MACKEN

Nightflyers, available now on Netflix, Virgin TV 999

 

The sci-fi series was a striking arrival to our screens this year, and it was the Dublin-born hunk leading the way. Eagle-eyed viewers might recall a stint in Fair City years ago, but his sights are elsewhere by now! He didn’t have to travel too far to start his world domination, though – the show filmed in Limerick!

 

 

 

LUCY KENNEDY

Ireland’s Got Talent, Saturday evenings on Virgin Media One, Virgin TV 103

 

She seems like one of the busiest people on the box, but we’re never sick of seeing her bubbly personality pop up on screen! Whether bunking up for a weekend with the stars on Living With Lucy or holding down the fort at the helm of our top talent show, she’s an ever-present on the schedule – and thank goodness for that!

 

 

 

BARRY KEOGHAN

American Animals, available to rent now on Virgin Movies from €4.99

 

It’s funny, now, to think that at one point he was national enemy No. 1 for killing a cat in Love/Hate – because he’s now on the road to national treasure status! From earth-shattering blockbusters to indie hits, his range is admirable, and his intensity is magnetic; there’s a reason some of the world’s biggest directors are falling over themselves to secure his services!

 

 

 

LISA MCGEE

Derry Girls, Tuesdays @ 9.15pm, Channel 4, Virgin TV 111

 

She might not step in front of the camera, but that hasn’t stopped the Derry screenwriter from enriching our lives with one of the finest comic creations to emerge from Ireland in years. We’re already loving the second season of our favourite gobby gang; here’s hoping there’s plenty to come, too!

 

 

 

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