Let Hollywood salute our national treasure

THIS year, please God, we will celebrate the 90th birthday of that gracious and lovely lady, Maureen O’Hara, one of Ireland’s national treasures.

However, during her long and illustrious film career, she has never been even nominated for an Oscar despite many performances of a very high standard, including The Parent Trap, How Green Was My Valley, Miracle on 34th Street, Only the Lonely and, of course, The Quiet Man.

I have written to the Academy of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles proposing that this year Maureen O’Hara be given a Lifetime Achievement Award, or Honorary Oscar as it is known, for her outstanding services to the motion picture industry (The award for 2009 went to Lauren Bacall).

The academy has acknowledged my communication and informed me that my proposal will be considered.

I would urge your readers in Ireland and abroad, who feel as I do, to email the academy (their address is on their website) backing this proposal.

I believe that a successful outcome would constitute a very appropriate birthday present from the nation and Maureen O’Hara’s many thousands of fans in the world of movies.

Prof Des MacHale

Chairman

Quiet Man Movie Club

Avonlea Court

Blackrock

Cork