This article is from page 20 of the 2011-12-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 20 JPG
HE’S LIVED the jet set lifestyle of a Hollywood star and now a family reunion in Ennis could be the next port of call for George Clooney.
Last week the world famous actor announced plans for a motorbike trip around Ireland in April. The Ocea ns 11 star is keen to re-connect with his Irish roots, which some believe, could stretch all the way back to the Banner County.
Clooney’s father’s great, great grandfather, Nicholas Clooney, hailed from Kilkenny. His grandmother’s maiden name was Guilfoyle, a surname common in Clare. Clooney’s decision to visit Ireland has prompted the Mayor of Ennis, Michael Guilfoyle, to invite the Oscar winning actor to the Clare capital. Councillor Guilfoyle, who shares a name with Clooney’s great grandfather – Michael T Guilfoyle believes the actor could be persuaded to come to Ennis.
He explains, “I just thought that given that George Clooney is coming to Ireland next year, it would be good to invite him to the town. The fact that his grandmother’s name was Guilfoyle, I want to invite him to Ennis to meet the other Guilfoyles.”
Clooney has not revealed the places he will visit when he comes to Ireland next spring but Cllr Guilfoyle says the lure of some of Clare’s world famous tourist attractions may tempt him to visit the county.
“He probably will be going to the Cliffs of Moher. I’m trying to make contact with his agent but I haven’t been able to do so yet,” says the independent councillor.
The potential arrival of George Clooney would be another boost to Ennis following Muhammad Ali’s memorable “homecoming” to the town in September 2009. Thousands packed the streets for the visit of the former world-boxing champion whose ancestors are thought to have come from the Turnpike area of the town.
Cllr Guilfoyle believes the visit of another high profile figure like Clooney would generate a similar feel-good factor around the town. “It would be huge for us to get him over to Ennis,” he says.