Dublin was agog last night as Star Wars hit O’Connell Street.
The Irish premiere of the year’s biggest blockbuster turned into a major extravaganza, which was Dublin’s historic main street being invaded by an army of Stormtroopers. The Spire was also transformed into a light sabre, in honour of the occasion. And the excitement was feverish, when the curtain finally came up on the film that has smashed box-office records.
The stars turned out in force too, with an array of leading Irish thespian lights joined by TV personalities and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. The Minister was involved in green-lighting Star Wars to film on Skellig Michael – a decision which many will say was vindicated by the film's showcasing of Ireland's natural beauty.
Others that attended included Liam Cunningham, Peter Coonan, Isaac Boss, Mike Ross, David Rawle, Tomm Moore, Baz Ashmawy, Jerry Fish, Martin King, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh Cathy Belton, Maclean Burke , Matt Cooper, Nick Munier and the aforementioned Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
After the celebrity launch, the fans gathered for midnight screenings in nearby Cineworld, in the Odeon and The Lighthouse, which brought a carnival atmosphere to the city as cinemas flung open their doors to assorted Stormtroopers, Jedi Knights, Princess Leias, Droids and even the odd Wookie!
Check out our photos from the premiere that saw Dublin's spire dressed up as a light sabre and the film's die-hard enthusiasts snapping selfies with Stormtroopers:
[link]hotpress.com/photos/photo_st.php?id=16344196[/link]