My Russell-dream comes true…

In 2001 I wrote to Russell Crowe to tell him that having seen him in TQATD, LAC and G that I thought he was an awesome actor. I never heard from him so do not know if my letters, sent to three different addresses, were ever received. Last Saturday in Kilkee I finally got to tell him to his face.

On September 20 th I got an email from Susan in Blackrock asking if I had seen Russell’s message on Murphsplace and had I any plans for September 30th. From that moment I hardly slept a wink with excitement. So leaving DH and 4 kids, dragging Cassandra along (a friend with absolutely no interest in Russell!!), I arrived in Kilkee at 1030 a.m. on the bright but chilly morning of Sept 30 th. The town was very quiet, but we drove straight to the Pollock holes where we found Alan Doyle busy practising with the singers, and sound technicians were doing their thing on stage. We didn’t budge for the rest of the day, braving hypothermia for the chance of meeting Russell.

Our forbearance paid off and we were in the ‘invitation only’ area for the afternoon! Susan and her friend Sharon arrived along much later but thankfully were able to join us inside. The incredible buzz when RC arrived was something I’ve never experienced before! Long before he came into view the atmosphere was electric. And yet he just sauntered in along, shaking hands, smiling and laughing. Even the sun shone brighter. The rain, which had been falling intermittently throughout the day, cleared off.

He disappeared into the café that doubled as private HQ for the day to have a run-through with the band and singers. While this was going on we listened to speeches from various important persons, or chatted amongst ourselves. I met a few people that I knew, one of whom was singing with him on stage! During that conversation Susan and Sharon started chatting to another lady who was singing and secured an invite for us to the reception afterwards. Wow!! I could hardly contain my excitement at this stage.

The buzz was building as the moment for RC to reappear and perform was coming closer. Alan Doyle was hanging around at the side of the trailer, guitar hanging from his back, untouched by any of it. Russell arrived out and stood RIGHT BESIDE ME while waiting to be introduced!! I could’ve just raised my hand and touched him! I didn’t though given that he was obviously focusing on what was coming next. So I contented myself with staring adoringly at him…I’d sort out the drool and tongue issue later on!!

On stage he was terrific. Funny and entertaining, he was all about Richard Harris. (I felt a tad guilty because my only reason for being there was Russell!!) He told us how RH said ‘You’re a good night out in one man Crowe. I think I’m going to like you!’ He spoke of his previous visit to Limerick in 2002, how he wrote this tribute on a beer mat in Dublin (“…because it was on a beer coaster you’ll be happy to know this particular verse is short…”), then he stepped back from the microphone and ‘Mr Harris’ rang out across the waves. It sounded fabulous!!! (There was a beautiful Uilleann pipe solo (Irish bag pipes) in the middle which I didn’t tape because my arm was burning with pain at this point and needed the break!!) Then RC shook hands with Alan and others on stage and headed back into HQ for the private party. We duly followed!! Inside he was mobbed! At one point we were going up for our moment with him but one look at the poor man’s face…that deer-in-the-headlights look, and we stepped back. However a little later we realised he was heading out the door so we had to just bite back our principles and jump right in there! I got to him as he was about to go, and despite the fact that he was pissed off and harassed he still stopped for an autograph and a photo. He was, at all times, totally polite and patient. I was amazed!!

The four of us hit the town later. There was talk of RC being due to appear in a few places but having already socialised in a big way with the natives the day before, and after what must have proved to be a tough day I’m sure he just wanted some P&Q somewhere.

As for me, I have realised a dream. I met him, told him I think he’s awesome, and got the photo to prove it.