City welcomes home Hollywood hero

GOLDEN GLOBE winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers was in an upbeat mood last night before stepping on stage to receive yet another accolade.

But this one was different to the precious statue the star received in Hollywood just a fortnight ago for his portrayal of Elvis on US television.

The 28-year-old was back home in Cork for a civic reception in recognition for winning the Globe - and to receive his Cork Person of the Month award.

Ahead of last night’s ceremony, he revealed what the recognition of his home town meant to him.

“It’s better than having a Golden Globe - people at home are always the toughest on you because they want to see you succeed.

“Irish people push you so hard.

“My friends tell me if I’m doing something in a film and it does not work for the audience.

“They don’t say it in a begrudging way - there’s a lot of tough love at home. It’s because they care and they want to see you get there.”

The actor - who starred alongside Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen’s Oscar-nominated film Match Point - looks like he will not be off the big screen this year.

He is appearing alongside Tom Cruise in this summer’s Hollywood blockbuster Mission Impossible 3.

He is also shooting a secret project, getting a flat in Dublin and taking the lead role in a TV series about King Henry VIII.

But last night his feet were firmly on the ground as he arrived at Cork City Hall and was mobbed by friends, family and fans.

Des Bishop, currently tickling the nation’s funny bone with his RTÉ stand-up show Joy in the Hood, joined Rhys Meyer’s old teachers, brothers and pals for the ceremony.

Speaking about his Globe, Rhys Meyers told guests: “It’s an entertainment award - I’ve not saved any lives.

“But if I can help one or two people by showing them the way forward by getting a Golden Globe and bringing it home to Cork, the city that raised me, then that is good.”