Donkey work: Having your own real-life Jenny is no easy ride

Enjoying a moment of fame due to ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ donkeys can suffer neglect from owners unprepared for their care, something The Donkey Sanctuary is working to prevent

The mare and foal section of Donkey Sanctuary Ireland near Mallow, Co Cork. People attracted by the idea of keeping a donkey should be aware they can cost around €3,500 a year to keep. Picture: Dan Linehan 

An invitation has been issued to actor Colin Farrell to visit and, while they hope the star will call, the staff of The Donkey Sanctuary in Co Cork are busier than ever caring for the hundreds of donkeys in their care.

For many viewers of  The Banshees of Inisherin, Jenny the donkey, who appeared in the movie alongside Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, was the real star of the hit movie. Indeed, during the 95th Oscars ceremony in March, host Jimmy Kimmel reflected cinemagoers' affection for Jenny by bringing a lookalike donkey on stage during the ceremony.