At the world film premiere of Maeve Binchy's Tara Road in the Savoy cinema on Dublin's O'Connell Street last night, the ushers tried in vain to direct people to their seats. But the serious fans refused to be moved and remained unwaveringly in the foyer with eyes firmly fixed on the red carpet. Cameras poised, they were hoping to catch a glimpse of such movie stars as Andie MacDowell and Stephen Rea.
Those who stuck it out were rewarded. MacDowell, suitably tanned and toned, made the final glittering entrance of the evening. "I like breakfast at Bewley's, visits to the National Gallery and hiking in Wicklow and Bray," she said of Ireland, much to everyone's delight.
"Where I'd like to live most is a toss-up between Bray and Wicklow," she added.
Stephen Rea charmed everyone. "The film," he said with a smile, "is about that old thing love."
Author Maeve Binchy also attended the premiere of the movie, which is based on her best-selling novel.