It felt good doing a physical job, and going home each evening feeling like I had really done a day's work.

It was only when I finished the course and left my graduation diploma on the bus that I realized I'd become an actor.

I've played my fair share of unpleasant character, and I have to tell you that you sleep better when you're playing fun characters. You think you don't take it home with you, at the end of the filming day, but subconsciously, there's something floating around in the background there.

There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don't necessarily want to be like them. I'm too happy being myself.

I know that Madonna is not a first-time filmmaker, but I have worked with a lot of first time filmmakers and I have worked with a lot of inexperienced film directors so that never has particularly worried me - I find it quite exciting - but I have never worked with a director who has had so little experience of directing who was so prepared.

I don't have any expectations as an actor and being rich and famous is not my driving force.

I went further and further back through the centuries to get a sense of perspective but now at least I understand why Irish history evokes such strong passions and emotions.