Film awards tributes to Harris

Limerick native Richard Harris was remembered in a touching tribute by his family when they accepted his prize for his outstanding contribution to film at a movie awards event, just days after his death.

The outstanding achievement award for Harris, who died from Hodgkin’s disease last week at the age of 72, was accepted by his three sons, Damian, Jared and Jamie and the actor’s granddaughter, Ella.

Jared choked back tears and struggled to pay his tribute before applause from the audience spurred him on.

He thanked Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for the tribute he paid to his father on Saturday, the “rugby clubs of Limerick” for their minute’s silence and the press for treating his “parting with such dignity and respect”.

Before also breaking down in tears, Ella – Damian’s daughter – said it meant “so much to see how everyone cared so much about my granddad”, adding: “He filled a special place in my heart.”

Jamie added his tribute, saying “how appropriate” it was for Harris to be honoured with a British Independent Film award “because he was truly an independent man”.

Former hellraiser Harris won a new army of fans for his role as Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films.

But to movie buffs his role in classics such as This Sporting Life and Unforgiven better highlighted his immense gift for acting.

The awards, hosted by Johnny Vaughan, were set up to raise the profile of the independent film industry and are now in their fifth year.