Irish actor Brian F. O'Byrne lends support for repeal after taking home BAFTA award

O’Byrne, formerly a star of hit crime series Love/Hate, took home the award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the ITV drama Little Boy Blue

During the acceptance speech, O'Byrne dedicated his award to murdered school boy Rhys Jones, whose father he played in the ITV drama. 11-year-old Rhys was shot on his way home from football practice in Croxteth, Liverpool in 2007.

Wearing a Together For Yes badge, the impassioned speech saw the Cavan man pay homage to the U.K. medical services who are tasked with caring for Irish women in crisis pregnancies everyday.

"On a personal thing, I'd like to thank the staff of the Liverpool women's hospital for looking after my fellow Irish citizens who come there in distress, daily,” he told the crowd, his voice crackling. "Thank you Britain, for looking after our women in their time of need.”

Here's Supporting Actor winner @brianfobyrne in heartfelt recognition of the family and community of Rhys Jones, whose death is remembered in @ITV 's Little Boy Blue ❤️️? #BAFTATV pic.twitter.com/PYgq9C634p

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) May 13, 2018

Cillian Murphy’s Peaky Blinders took home the award for Best Drama Series, while Graham Norton was named the winner of the BAFTA for Entertainment Performance for his role as host of The Graham Norton Show. The award marks Norton's eighth BAFTA win.