Today I rise with great pride to acknowledge an extraordinary achievement by a remarkable young woman from my own county of Kerry. Jessie Buckley of Killarney has made history as the first Irish actress ever to win an Academy Award in a leading role. For a Kerry woman to stand on that global stage and bring home an Oscar is simply and surely special. Jessie's portrayal of Shakespeare's wife, Agnes, in the movie is powerful, layered and deeply human. She brings a quiet strength to the role of a mother that stays with you long after the film ends. Alongside her, Paul Mescal, a Kildare man and not a bad footballer either, delivers an extraordinary performance as William Shakespeare. The chemistry between these two actors, the emotional weight they carry and the truth they bring to that story are central to the film's success. It is a remarkable Irish contribution to a global work of art. Those of us from Kerry know well the strength, resilience and determination that define us. Jessie embodies all of that. From her earliest days performing in Killarney, she showed a spark that was impossible to ignore but talent alone does not carry anyone to the Oscars. What brought her there was a gift, hard work and a refusal to give up - qualities that anyone who knows her or her family will recognise instantly. Her success means so much to the people of Killarney and to communities right across Kerry and indeed Ireland. Young people growing up in rural Ireland can now look at Jessie and see that the world is open to them. They can see that someone who walked the same streets, went to the same rural school and grew up with the same challenges can go on to achieve something extraordinary. Jessie has never forgotten where she comes from. She carries Kerry with her in everything she does and in doing so, she lifts us all up. Her achievement is not just a personal triumph; it is a moment of national pride.

Given the historic nature of her Oscar win, I believe her accomplishment should be formally recognised by the State, so today I am officially proposing a State civic reception on Jessie Buckley's return to Ireland. She has brought honour to Killarney, Kerry and indeed Ireland and it is only right and fitting that we acknowledge the significance of what she has achieved. On behalf of this House, I extend my warmest congratulations to Jessie, her family and the community that has supported her from the very beginning - in her humble words the other day, "go raibh míle maith agat, slán", from the humblest person you could meet.