Upon accepting his IFTA Award on stage he said: “You know every once in awhile in this job, you get a chance to do something that is significant, that means more to you than just another job. This was one of those projects. When I read the script I knew it was an important piece of work, it meant a lot to me personally, and it recognises and celebrated a very significant event in our history. It also gained in significance as time went on, as events overtook us, particularly with Martin’s death. It was very moving when Martin died, we lost, I think, a great Irishman, and I hope the film in some small way contributes to the recognition to his life and work. Thank you IFTA.”

The actor also commended the extraordinary energy of director Nick Hamm, the quality script written by Colin Bateman and the undisputed talents of his co-star Timothy Spall, whom he described as one of the greatest living actors. On a more personal level he also noted The Journey was the final project he became involved with through his manager of three decades Rick Ax, who passed away last year.

This marked the fifth Nomination for the actor by the Irish Academy, with a win back in 2003 for How Harry Became a Tree and other nominations for Kings, Parked and Hell on Wheels over the years.

Political drama The Journey, directed by Nick Hamm, has come at a huge juncture in the real-life narrative of Northern Irish politics, with the recent passing of former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Watch the trailer here.