Saoirse's for the birds as she flies in to help friend's venture
Monday November 16 2009
HOLLYWOOD star Saoirse Ronan lent a helping hand to a family friend yesterday by cutting the ribbon on a new falconry centre near her home.
The Oscar-nominated actress was in her native Co Carlow to open the Woodlands Falconry and Bird of Prey Centre in Rathwood, Tullow.
The globetrotting 15-year-old, who lives in the village of Ardattin, where she is now being home-schooled, said she is looking forward to spending Christmas in Ireland with her mother and father.
Hectic
"It can be pretty hectic when I'm home but I don't mind being busy," she said. "Sometimes it's nice to be back to your own living room and to relax and watch the telly and sit by the fire."
It is hoped that the new centre, the brainchild of Tommy Byrne -- a preservationist and fanatic who has kept all sorts of birds from an early age -- will attract tourists.
The public can experience beautiful birds of prey at close quarters, including golden eagles, red kites, falcons, hawks and owls from around the world.
Visitors will be able to see the birds perform in a flying display, get the chance to handle them or walk through the woodland accompanied by a hawk.
Saoirse said she was more than happy to help attract interest to the new centre.
"It's just great to get to help Tommy out because I've known him for many years and this is something he has a passion for," she said.
The young star is now embarking on a worldwide tour to promote her new film 'The Lovely Bones', in which she plays Susie Salmon -- a rape and murder victim who observes her family and her killer from the afterlife.
The actress also paid tribute to the film's creator, 'Lord of the Rings' director Peter Jackson. "It was great to work with Pete -- he's a great guy. He's amazing at what he does."
Mr Jackson has described the film, which also stars Susan Sarandon, Rachel Weisz and Mark Wahlberg, as probably one of the hardest films he has ever made.
The film opens in Ireland on January 29.
- Niamh O'Donoghue
Irish Independent
