St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend and on our social media channels we have been listing some great films about Irishmen and Irishwomen that are perfect to watch to celebrate. Films like The Boondock Saints, Intermission, and The Secret of Kells. However, here we want to do something a little different here, so instead of listing great Irish-inspired films, we thought it would be fun to highlight our favorite Irish characters and why we love them.
So without further ado, here are our six favorite Irishmen to ever live on the silver screen.
Darby sharing a drink with the leprechaun king. Classic.
6. Darby O’Gill – Darby O’Gill and the Little People
Darby O’Gill and the Little People is a film that is so stereotypically Irish it leaks leprechauns, literally. But being over-the-top traditional Irish is exactly why we like the 1959 Disney film and why we like Darby. He’s a kind, good-hearted old Irishman that most people see as the local kook because he is constantly talking about trying to catch leprechauns while drinking a pint at the town pub. But Darby may not be as crazy as he sounds when he finds himself battling wits with the leprechaun king. Classic Irish name and classic Irish accent, we had to give a nod to Darby.
Priest Vallon wielding the celtic cross before battle.
5. Priest Vallon – Gangs of New York
“Priest” Vallon doesn’t have much screen time in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, since he was killed by Bill “the Butcher” in a defining opening battle that frames the rest of the film. But his actions and words as a man have a lasting impact not only on his son, but also on his adversary, as we later find out. He was a good father and an inspirational leader that was the only man to unite hundreds of Irish immigrants to fight injustice in their small corner of New York City. It doesn’t hurt that he was played by the brilliant Liam Neeson as well.
4. Mickey O’Neil – Snatch
While perhaps not technically Irish, but some sort of hybrid between Irish, English, and just Pikey (England’s version of a blend between white trash and gypsies), Mickey O’Neil is the most memorable character from the great Guy Ritchie film, Snatch. Mickey is so memorable for three reasons: he’s played by Brad Pitt, he’s an amazing and entertaining bare-knuckle boxer, and his speech is so thick with Pikey accent that most people can hardly understand anything he says.
WARNING: There is expletive language in this clip.
3. Michael Collins – Michael Collins
Another character played by Liam Neeson (we’ll give it a pass since Neeson himself is actually Irish) Michael Collins is the titular character of the film of the same name and a real life Irish hero. He is perhaps Ireland’s most famous patriot and revolutionary fighting for Irish independence from the British during the Easter Rising and the Irish Civil War. An inspiring leader for the Irish Republican Army, Collins fought for creation of the Republic of Ireland both figuratively and literally as a politician and a soldier. The film tells the story of how his life, love, and friendship intermingled with the politics and battles for Ireland’s separation from British rule.
Michael Collins
2. Il Duce – The Boondock Saints
Il Duce is an Irish assassin from the film The Boondock Saints that is so feared by the mafia, he is described as “a monster” and only to be used in extreme situations. Despite being one of the country’s most skilled killers, he abides by a code of ethics such as refusing to kill women and children. After discovering his equally talented sons, the three team up to become vigilantes and purge Boston of the criminal dregs of society. What is perhaps even more amazing is how they got the hilarious Billy Connelly to play such a convincing bad@$$.
WARNING: There is expletive language in this clip.
1. Stephen – Braveheart
Stephen, the “Mad Irishman” in Braveheart proves to be the best of all things Irish. He’s a great warrior, he’s provides wonderful comic relief, and he’s a loyal friend. Stephen joins William Wallace’s army after fleeing from Ireland on questionable grounds and quickly rises in the ranks of trusted allies after he saves Wallace from a planted assassin. He continues in Scotland’s quest for independence all the way to the end, even being secretly present at Wallace’s execution. Our favorite quote of his: “In order to find his equal, an Irishman is forced to talk to God.”
WARNING: Once again, there is expletive language in this video clip.
