‘Star Wars’ and ‘Minions’ boost profits at UCI Ireland

Profits at cinema group UCI Ireland soared by 10%, to €1.24m, last year — largely boosted by movie-goers flocking to see the latest Star Wars movie.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opened last December, but within the space of a couple of weeks became the country’s highest-grossing movie of 2015, generating €4.76m at the Irish box office. Its success contributed to revenues at United Cinemas International (Ireland) increasing by 9% to €11.73m last year.

UCI Ireland operates under the Odeon brand and has eleven cinemas in Blanchardstown, Cavan, Charlestown, Coolock, Limerick, Naas, Newbridge, Portlaoise, Stillorgan, and the Point Village in Dublin’s docklands.