Minister Cannon said: “I am delighted that two of our foremost artistic ambassadors abroad, Saoirse Ronan and Martin McDonagh, have had their work acknowledged by the entertainment industry at the Golden Globe Awards.
“I’d like to congratulate Saoirse on the Best Actress- Musical or Comedy award for her role in the movie Ladybird; and Martin with his Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri winning four awards out of six nominations, including Best Motion Picture - Drama.
“I also extend my congratulations to Caitríona Balfe and Daniel Day-Lewis who received Golden Globe nominations.
“I am particularly pleased that Martin McDonagh, given his family connections with Galway where six of his plays are set, has been acknowledged at this level.
“The Golden Globes are regarded in entertainment circles as early indicators for ultimate Oscar success and four Irish nominations with two wins bodes well for Irish hopes in this respect.
“These are champions of Irish excellence abroad who continue to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity and virtuosity in the arts. All people with Irish heritage should celebrate their success.”