Liam Neeson has told of his hope that the dilapidated cottage made famous in the movie 'The Quiet Man' will be restored to its former glory.
White O'Morn cottage in Maam, Connemara, has fallen into disrepair over the past decades and has been reduced to little more than a rubble of stones.
But next month the cottage is expected to be formally declared a protected structure, when a vote is put to members of Galway County Council.
And one campaign group behind moves to restore the centrepiece of the 1952 John Ford-directed classic has received a timely message of support from Hollywood A-lister Neeson.
In a personal message to the group, called 'White O'Morn', the 62-year-old New York-based actor said he believes that the stone homestead has the potential to become a huge tourist magnet to fans of the movie.
He wrote: "John Ford's classic film 'The Quiet Man' taps into our uniqueness as a race. Not only is it glorious entertainment, it reveals something of our indomitable will as a people.
"It has and will continue to leave a lasting impression on me, my family and millions of classic film fans around the world.
"It was with joy that I learned that the film's cottage and site was recently put under State protection, pending a second vote by Galway County Council in July and that the cottage may be restored to its former glory. It has been lying in ruins for many years."
He added: "This little piece of movie architecture would then shine like a beacon for many generations to come, delighting thousands of tourists with its simple magic and standing as a monument to the great Irish grit, perseverance and welcoming charm that we are known for worldwide."
Nearby Cong in Co. Mayo has successfully capitalised on the enduring popularity of the movie, which starred John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.
But tourists, many who travel from the US, are frequently left in shock when they see what little's left of the crumbling cottage.
Comments