Barry Keoghan reveals plans to launch inner city youth project with Kellie Harrington

The Hollywood star and the Olympic gold medalist have been lifelong pals as they both hail from Summerhill.

Speaking on Ryan Tubridy’s RTÉ Radio One show on Friday, he said that the pair want to launch a project to help young people living in the inner city.

“Me and Kellie are looking to get something going in the inner city, for the younger kids, with a bit of boxing and drama, a youth project of some sort.”

Further discussing the boxer, he said: “Kellie is incredible, we used to hang out years ago, obviously we’re from the same area.”

“I mean what she's done for the area, and what she’s done for Ireland, and the younger generation and younger girls seeing this achievement… it gives you that drive and ambition to not give up on your dreams.”

“I'd like to say it's part of the Irish thing, looking after one another, and it does come from a [humble place of gratitude].”

Keoghan spent seven years in foster homes during his childhood after his mother died of a heroin overdose when he was only 12.

Fond of giving back, Barry Keoghan was on hand today to help launch new studios for children’s charity Barretstown.

He told Tubridy that he got involved with the project so he could bring Hollywood to Co Kildare.

The new facility consists of two fully equipped studios with lighting, sound, green screens, props room and a control room.

The studio is set to serve two distinct purposes.

It will be a base from which Barretstown will broadcast it’s virtual camp programme, Barretstown Live, into the homes of children who cannot come to camp due to the complexity of their medical needs or diagnosis.

It will also provide an exciting new activity space for the children and families who will attend Barretstown’s therapeutic programmes at their site in Co. Kildare.

To mark the launch, Barry’s latest film, Marvel’s Eternals will be screened at the new studio to Barretstown campers.

“Acting has always been an outlet for me, and I love it - which is why I’m so proud to come on board as an ambassador for Barretstown and to be a part of this incredible new studio launch,” Hollywood star Barry said.

“The studio will allow Barretstown children the same opportunity to express themselves creatively and have some really great fun doing it. And I hope to be back to give a few acting lessons, so we continue to bring Irish talent to the global stage!”