Hometown honor for Michael Fassbender in Kerry

Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender is a shoo-in for his next award – the 39-year-old German-born, Co. Kerry-raised superstar has been tapped by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce for induction into its Order of Innisfallen thanks to his achievements in Hollywood and a host of top films like the X-Men franchise and Steve Jobs. He’ll be back home in Killarney on October 7 at the annual ball hosted by the chamber at the lovely Hotel Europe, which is close to where his folks Josef and Adele still live. (Fass’ mom is a native of Larne, Co. Antrim.)

No doubt the award will have special meaning for Michael, the local boy who made good in a big way. He served as an altar boy at Prince of Peace Church on the outskirts of Killarney in Fossa, and first started acting in the local Bricriú Theatre Company before moving to London.

The Fassbenders owned and operated the West End House Restaurant in Killarney prior to retiring and selling the premises last year. Michael’s German dad was the master chef in residence.

Speaking of his son in 2009, Josef said, "I say he's an Irish actor. I'd say Fossa probably claims him first and before anywhere else and then maybe Killarney.”