Oscars buzz grows in Limerick as eyes of the world focus on the ‘Banshees’

THE Banshees of Inisherin has received nine nominations for the Academy Awards, with strong links to Limerick.

Eimer Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh is the one responsible for the costumes while Tom Collins was commissioned to create bespoke mirrors for the set.

The costume designer shared insight into working with two of Ireland’s leading, award-winning actors.

“They’re great. They understand what I’m trying to do and what I’m trying to contribute and help them in some way to develop and find the character as well and they’re very appreciative of what we do and they are just gentlemen and they’re just fantastic,” Emer explained.

Her story began in LSAD where she studied fashion and then while working on Foundation in Troy Studios, she received an email from director Martin McDonagh and so began her role working with the Hollywood A-listers.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Colin and Brendan (Gleeson), we have initial discussions about the costumes and then we’ve first fittings and second fittings and final fittings, we are on set every day, making sure everything is okay, it's very collaborative,” she added.

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The Banshees of Inisherin is known for its rugged landscape, the wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean and the dark, durable and warm clothing to battle the elements while also capturing the essence of the era on the island through set design.
Ersons Lane in Limerick city is home to sign maker and creator Tom Collins who created mirrors for the pub which was built on set on Achill Island.

“Everything had to be made specially for all the props. They couldn't just go to a shop or an antique shop or online and just pick something up there.

“And this particular whiskey distillery, with their unusual name, were a big distillery in Galway at that time, the 1920s. The graphic designer on the team worked up the artwork because she was working up the artwork for everything,” he told the Limerick Leader / Limerick Live.

Tom got to deliver the artwork on set and see the pub in question while also watching it on the big screen in a scene with Pádraic (Farrell) and Colm (Gleeson).

The Oscars take place on March 12 in Los Angeles with 14 Irish nominees including An Cailín Ciúin which stars Caherconlish actor, Andrew Bennett.