Three young Irish stars have been named in Forbes’ list of the 30 most influential people under 30 in the entertainment industry.
Oscar nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, former world number one golfer Rory McIlroy and multimillion selling singer-songwriter Hozier all feature on the list compiled by the American magazine.
The list looks at people who have sent shockwaves through their particular field and predicts who might have a lasting influence over the next 50 years. This is the first time they have created a European version of the list.
Forbes make a number of lists for different categories. The Irish have made a big impression on the entertainment category.
Ronan has shown star quality from an early age and her first big movie was Atonement, which she appeared in when she was just 13.
In 2015, she took on a serious leading role in the movie Brooklyn. Her excellent performance as Irish emigrant Eilis Lacey has seen her receive nominations for awards all over the world including the Oscars.
Forbes said of 21-year-old Ronan: “Saoirse Ronan, known for her roles in Atonement and The Lovely Bones has set critics fluttering with Brooklyn.
“A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland, makes her Broadway debut as Abigail Williams in The Cubicle in 2016.”
McIlroy is currently the number three ranked golfer in the world. He has previously spent 95 weeks in the number one spot and is a four time major champion.
Forbes said of the 26-year-old: “Globetrotting McIlroy has kept up a punishing schedule, this year winning the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
“While he missed the cut at later events and lost his top ranking, the 26-year-old is still winning acclaim and was named European Tour Golfer of The Year for a third time.”
Blues singer Hozier has had success in several countries including the huge hit ‘Take Me To Church’.
His song writing has seen him achieve both commercial success and critical acclaim, selling millions of albums and winning a host of awards.
Forbes said of the 25-year-old Co Wicklow star: “Andrew Hozier-Byrne’s passionate and outspoken single Take Me To Church missed the Grammy for Song of the Year but helped sales of his album Hozier.
“The Irish singer-songwriter’s rich material and energetic touring shows he is more than a one-hit wonder.”
Forbes editor Randall Lane said: “Researching, vetting and launching our first ever 30 Under 30 Europe list was an incredible task.
“We scoured the continent to find the most talented millennials and, with the help of our expert judges, are proud to honour 300 of the most important young entrepreneurs, creative leaders and brightest stars in Europe right now.”
Take a look at the full list of 30 Europeans in Forbes’ entertainment category.