Hollywood dances into Glenties

Dozens of young autograph hunters outside the Highlands Hotel in Glenties will no doubt tell their grandchildren of the day Hollywood…

Dozens of young autograph hunters outside the Highlands Hotel in Glenties will no doubt tell their grandchildren of the day Hollywood came to the Co Donegal village.

The town seemed to revert to the 1930s - with vintage cars and penned sheep - for the screening of the film version of Brian Friel's play, Dancing at Lughnasa.

Outside The Laurels, the house which suggested the setting for the original play, Lughnasa star Meryl Streep said she was delighted to be "part of this great adventure". "I feel very lucky to be here," she said.

To mark the occasion, Ms Streep and Mr Friel were presented with paintings of The Laurels by local artist Johnny Boyle.

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Mr Francis Brennan, chairman of the local Lughnasa organising committee, said Glenties would always remember Ms Streep and, of course, Brian Friel.

"It is a dream come true and the people of Glenties are very grateful to everyone involved in the film. We never thought in our wildest dreams Hollywood would come to Glenties, but tonight it has."

Ms Streep and co-star Sophie Thompson then joined Glenties residents for the first of a double screening of the film in a local school gymnasium. Proceeds from the evening will help to fund a local school running track and the Fintown Railway Restoration project, of which Mr Friel is president.

"I am just so happy to be here. I want to stay for a month but unfortunately I have to get back to America," Ms Streep said.