Colin Farrell speaks of the bravery of Laois woman who he calls an extraordinary friend

Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Colin Farrell has praised the generosity of Irish people in a new interview in which he spoke about the 'extraordinary' friendship with Laois woman Emma Fogarty.

The lead in the Banshees of Inisherin spoke about Emma from Abbeyleix and her bravery in coping with the so-called butterfly skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

Farrell works with DEBRA Ireland, a national Irish charity, established to provide support services to patients and families living with EB. He cycled 36 miles in 2020 for Emma as she completed a gruellingly painful 36km wheelchair walk to mark her 36th birthday, a fundraiser that raised over €87,000 for DEBRA Ireland.

Emma was invited by Colin to the Irish Premiere of Banshees of Inisheerin, and she is overjoyed at his Best Actor - Musical or Comedy award.

Part of his outreach is working with DEBRA Ireland has seen him work with Emma Fogarty. In his interview with the world famous Variety movie magazine, the actor spoke of his “extraordinary friend Emma”. He spoke about the time the two of them appeared on the Late Late Show with Ryan Tubridy in 2018.

“Emma is so brave and she talked about her condition and struggles, without any self-pity. It was in the middle of the economic downturn, near Christmas, which is the wrong time to ask people to put hands in their pockets to help out,” he said.

Farrell told Variety that the Late Late Show's producers were stunned at the results with viewers donating massive amounts, enough to keep the EB nurses on staff for the upcoming year.

Farrell said this showed the generosity of the Irish. MORE BELOW VIDEO.

“No one country is the greatest in the world. Every country has its strengths and faults. But one thing the Irish do well is support each other; there is a sense of civic duty, looking out for each other,” he said.

Emma is a patient Ambassador with DEBRA Ireland and was born with EB so has always dealt with open wounds all over her body and lots of pain. 

Emma posted this lovely message to Colin on her social media after the Irish premiere.

"Wow!! I could not, not, NOT be more proud of Colin Farrell. This man is jaw-droppingly gifted…. And more importantly a wonderful friend. 

"Loved the film. When I hugged & congratulated you after the Irish Premiere I had a premonition that many awards were about to come your way. 

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"Now, I believe a truly well-deserved Oscar is coming home to one of the greats of Irish Film & Drama," Emma said.  

See www.DebraIreland.org for more information or to make a donation to the charity.