Northern Ireland

Oscar celebrations underway in Belfast for An Irish Goodbye

James Martin celebrating with his colleagues in Starbucks before Sunday's Oscar triumph.
James Martin celebrating with his colleagues in Starbucks before Sunday's Oscar triumph.

AS Northern Ireland woke up to the news of Oscar glory on Monday morning, it wasn't long before the first after-party started in Belfast.

The star of An Irish Goodbye, James Martin, enjoyed a dream-like moment on stage in Los Angeles as Hollywood A-listers serenaded him for his 31st birthday.

Not long ago, he was also being cheered by colleagues at his day job as a Starbucks barista in Belfast city centre.

Before jetting out, he posed for photos in front of an in-store red carpet complete with a supersize Oscars photo display.

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Tweeting about the happy news yesterday, a message on the Starbucks NI page read: "They did it! The biggest congratulations to James and the cast and crew of An IrishGoodbye on their fabulous Oscar win.

"James, we are so proud of you. We hope you enjoyed the whole experience and had an unforgettable birthday celebrating with the stars!"

In west Belfast, champagne was also flowing at Falls Bowling Club for actor Paddy Jenkins, who portrayed the family priest, Fr O'Shea.

Complete with his very own replica Oscar statuette, he was cheered on by his wife Geraldine and many friends delighting in the spectacular success of the home grown and heart-warming family drama.

For co-star Seamus O'Hara, who portrayed James' brother, there was also well wishes from his former school mate and outgoing Alliance MLA Patricia O'Lynn.

"Massive congratulations to the entire cast of An Irish Goodbye, especially my old school mate Seamus O’Hara," she said.

"I always knew that if any one of us would make it big it would be Seamus! So delighted for all involved in making and producing this wonderful film."

The cast and crew of An Irish Goodbye are now due home in Belfast this Thursday to what will no doubt be a hero's welcome.