Oscar winner starred in Offaly film

Oscar winning actor Cillian Murphy's film career began 27 years ago when he starred in a short film directed by a prominent Clara man.

Cillian played the role of Pat in the comedy 'Quando', directed by Declan Recks which is thought to be his first film acting credit.

'Quando' follows the comic story of Jack, Pat and Brian, three friends in search of the meaning of life, love and happiness. Cillian took on the role of a rock musician whose band take part in a talent show during the Queen of the Heather Festival so that his friend Jack win the affections of Eileen, the new hairdresser in town.

A clip of Quando can be viewed on YouTube and eagle-eyed viewers from Clara should see if they recognise the Dolphin pub and a Queen of the Heather contestant wearing a Mill House sash.

Declan's television work includes some of the top rated show on Irish TV such as Pure Mule (RTÉ 2005), The Clinic (RTÉ 2004-2006) and The Running Mate (TG4 2007). The Offaly man has been nominated for an IFTA for Best Director on four occasions and won in 2005 for his direction of the critically acclaimed ratings hit Pure Mule.

Declan's latest film, the Irish language production, 'Tarrac', was written by Edenderry man Eugene O'Brien and will be shown on TG4 on Monday, March 18 at 9.30pm. His latest TV show starring Baz Ashmawy and Killurin's Aisling Kearns airs on Virgin Media One on Monday nights at 9pm.