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Dublin Live
Entertainment
Kim O'Leary

May the 4th be with you: Dublin's five links to Star Wars from actors to events and more

Today is the day that Star Wars fans around the world celebrate the epic space saga.

The 4th of May is used by fans to celebrate Star Wars because "May the 4th" can be used as a pun on the famous line "May the force be with you" from Star Wars: A New Hope, which was released in 1977. The global phenomenon has since spawned 11 feature films, several TV series, books and comics.

George Lucas's epic space opera franchise also has several Dublin links that die hard fans may be aware of, from casting Dublin actors to a well-known university's library that inspired pivotal scenes. And for Dubliners who enjoy attending Star Wars inspired events, there's a few taking place today that you won't want to miss.

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May 4 Star Wars music at National Concert Hall and Free Comic Book Day

The National Concert Hall is hosting an evening with The RTE Concert Orchestra this evening at 8pm, which will see them play John Williams' epic themes from the movies. It starts at 8pm, and ticket prices range between €13.50 and €42.50, and there's also a 10% discount for group bookings of 10 people or more.

On Saturday, there's a very special Free Comic Book Day happening at 10am in Forbidden Planet in Dublin. They are offering brilliant deals in honour of Star Wars Day, and all Star Wars items will be 10% off.

Domhnall Gleeson

Domhnall Gleeson played General Hux in three Star Wars movies (Getty Images)

Dubliner Domhnall Gleeson landed the role as the dastardly General Hux in The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. It's been nearly three years since Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker concluded the sequel trilogy that began with The Force Awakens in 2015, but Domhnall has indicated in interviews that he would be interested in visiting his character of General Hux again.

He told The Wrap in 2021: "Of course I would! He was really interesting, and I think there’s a lot I could do more [with him]."

Genevieve O'Reilly

Genevieve O'Reilly in Star Wars (Lucasfilm)

Actress Genevieve O'Reilly was born in Dublin, but grew up Australia. She is a well-known face for Star Wars fans.

She took over the role of Republic Senator Mon Mothma from Caroline Blakiston and played the character in Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One and the Star Wars Rebels animated series.

More recently, she appeared in Andor starring Diego Luna where she once again repirosed her role as Republic Senator Mon Mothma. She will again reprise the role in Ahsoka, which is due to be released on Disney+ later this year.

Francis Magee

Bren Kinsella, played by Francis Magee (RTE)

The Dublin actor is shaking things up at the moment as Brendan 'Bren' Kinsella in RTE's Kin season 2, but before that he made a name for himself acting in Fair City, Eastenders, and Star Wars.

He is also known for playing the role of Jav Mefran in Star Wars: Rogue One in 2015.

Trinity College's Library

The iconic Long Room library in Trinity College has around 200,000 rare books and is home to the Book of Kells. It is also thought to be the inspiration behind the Jedi Archives seen in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones.

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