Hollywood star to get freedom of roscommon

One of Roscommon’s most famous exports is to be honoured at a gala ceremony in the county later this week.

Hollywood star Chris O’Dowd is to receive the Freedom of Roscommon this Wednesday in his home town of Boyle to recognise his achievements in film and TV and what has been described as his “outstanding contribution to enhancing Roscommon’s standing at home and abroad”.

O’Dowd (34), who recently starred on Broadway in a new adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ has received huge critical acclaim for his hit Sky 1 comedy ‘Moone Boy’, which was set and made in Boyle.

Last week, it emerged ‘Moone Boy’ looks set to be remade for American television after the quirky, semi-autographical show based on the life and antics of 12-year-old Martin Moone, was picked up by ABC and Sony Pictures. A new book based on the acclaimed series is also set to be launched shortly.

The Boyle native is also well known for his earlier acting roles in RTE’s ‘The Clinic’, ‘The IT crowd on Channel 4, and has also appeared in several hit Hollywood comedies like ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘This is 40’.

O’Dowd joins others like singer Brendan Shine, and the late Dermot Earley to receive Roscommon’s highest civic honour.