Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has officially been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film Hamnet.

The news, which broke at lunchtime on Thursday, has sparked widespread celebrations across the town, with Buckley now considered a strong favourite to secure the win on March 15.

This marks the second Oscar nomination for the star.

She was previously nominated in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter, eventually losing out to Ariana DeBose.

This time, however, industry experts see her as the overwhelming frontrunner to take home the statuette.

In Hamnet, Buckley plays Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, starring alongside Paul Mescal.

While the film brought glory to Buckley, there was disappointment for her co-star as the Kildare man narrowly missed out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The excitement in Killarney was palpable as the nominations were announced live from Hollywood.

A large crowd gathered at the Arbutus Hotel on College Street, owned by Jessie’s Uncle Sean to toast her success.

Radio Kerry broadcast live from the hotel throughout the afternoon, capturing the electric atmosphere as locals celebrated.

Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne councillor Jackie Healy-Rae has launched a new podcast focused on Kerry County Council meetings.

Titled The Chamber, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a clear and direct insight into what is happening inside the council chamber, from the councillor’s perspective.

Cllr Healy-Rae said the idea behind the podcast is to explain what is being discussed and decided at council meetings, and what those decisions mean for people on the ground.

While there are more ways than ever for people to get their news and information, Healy Rae said that he felt there was a space for something more direct and accessible.

He explained: “The Chamber is about bringing people inside the council chamber and explaining what’s going on, without jargon or spin.”

Each episode will provide updates from council meetings, outlining key motions, discussions and decisions, and offering a councillor’s perspective on local issues that affect everyday life from infrastructure and services to planning and community matters.

The first episode, focusing on the January full council meeting, is now available, with further episodes planned on a regular basis following council meetings.

The Chamber is available on Spotify and via Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae’s social media channels.