Oscar-nominated star brings Hollywood charm to Limerick’s new cultural festival

OSCAR-nominated actress Ruth Negga who grew up in Limerick headlined the inaugural All We Have Are Days festival in a conversation exploring the role of music in her creative life and how it has shaped her work.

She surprised model agent Celia Holman Lee last weekend with her warmth and elegance and Celia said Ruth was "adorable" and "so refreshingly humble" that she almost forgot she was speaking to Hollywood royalty.

She remarked that Ruth was "thrilled" to be home in Limerick and said it was "incredible" to have an Oscar-nominated actress visit the city. "I was thrilled to have met her.

"I’m used to being surrounded by talent, but nothing prepared me for the magic of meeting renowned actress Ruth Negga," added Celia.

"It is a bonus that she grew up in Limerick and spent some time here as we had that in common to chat about! What a wonderful lady. I am delighted she returned for the St Brigid's bank holiday weekend. Ruth, who was of course nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress, was all I hoped she would be: warm, graceful and down-to-earth. The pleasure was all mine!"

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Celia concluded that the new culture festival was "buzzing, a perfect mix of creativity and celebration."

The festival was presented by Guinness alongside Limerick City and County Council and Limerick Chamber. Producer Quantic, US filmmaker Dream Hampton, and singer/songwriter Denise Chaila also headlined the event.

For her portrayal of Mildred Loving in the film, Loving, Ruth received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has also garnered much praise for her appearance in the hit TV thriller series, Presumed Innocent and holds a BA in Acting Studies from Trinity College Dublin.