Cillian Murphy's old school 'thrilled' by Oscar win

Murphy, 47, was named best leading actor for his acclaimed portrayal of theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer on Sunday.

The Cork native’s win for Oppenheimer makes him the first Irish-born winner of the best actor award.

Presentation Brothers College principal David Barry said the school was “so proud” of the star’s global success.

Mr Barry says the school is delighted at Cillian Murphy's inspiring Oscar win

“Presentation Brothers College are delighted for Cillian and his family on his success in winning the Oscar,” he told the PA news agency.

“Hopefully when he’s back in Cork he might be able to visit us.”

A portrait, made by senior art students, of Murphy as Tommy Shelby, the actor’s character in Peaky Blinders, hangs in a school corridor.

His presence is still felt at the school and the actor never forgets where he has come from, the principal said.

“He’s always about for us really in our thoughts as the kids walk through the corridors every day.

“Your roots are really important and Cillian has worked abroad so often but really never forgets his roots and visits his parents regularly.

“Because he has such a busy schedule getting back to Ireland and Cork brings him back to who he is really,” he said.

His Oscar win will serve as further inspiration to the current crop of pupils, the headmaster said.

“The harder you work, the luckier you get. So if you put in the efforts you will get the rewards eventually, no matter what field you’re in," Mr Barry added.

The actor's former primary school had also wished their past pupil well, hanging a banner outside the scholl in the run up to the oscars.

Murphy said he was "a very proud Irishman standing here tonight" as he won best leading actor for Oppenheimer

Murphy’s historic win was lauded by the President of Ireland’s official X account.

Michael D Higgins account said it was “a wonderful achievement” that was “so appropriately dedicated to peacemakers everywhere”.

Ireland’s deputy premier Micheál Martin said that Murphy gave an “outstanding” performance in a film “that will stand the test of time”, while Irish culture minster Catherine Martin said the win was “no more than he deserves”.

It is, she added, a “a fitting recognition” of Murphy’s “immense” talent.

Screen Ireland chief executive Desiree Finnegan, said Murphy had long delivered “outstanding performances” in Irish films, including Small Things Like These, Disco Pigs and The Wind that Shakes the Barley.

She called his performance in Oppenheimer “extraordinary” and that it deserved the “worldwide recognition and critical acclaim”.

-bbc