Esther McCarthy: Oscar nominations proof of Ireland's astonishing global reputation

A record-shattering 14 nominations for the Irish at this year’s Oscars is the culmination of years of planning and building

Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan in 'The Banshees of Inisherin'. The film's director Martin McDonagh is one of many filmmakers who has praised the quality, consistency, and experience of Irish crews. Picture: Searchlight

As Kevin Costner’s Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella so memorably said in Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” 

And they have.