Oscar winner Cillian Murphy grew up near Cork Airport

Cork Airport announced that it will change its name to Cillian Murphy International Airport in a nod to the city’s hometown hero.

Management said that the renaming will take effect from May 1, with a full rebrand to be undertaken in the latter half of the year.

Other aspects will include the renaming of the airport’s entrance to Hollywood Boulevard and the opening of the Red Eye Executive Lounge – a tribute to Murphy’s 2005 thriller.

The pub inside the airport will also be rebranded as the Disco Pigs Bar and Restaurant after his first big role. The project is expected to be completed by December, 2024.

There is a twist, however. The clever team at Cork Airport announced the news on April 1, or April’s Fools Day.

The gag was shared on X on Monday morning, where locals applauded the idea. “I fully support this, April Fools or not,” one person commented. Another said: “We all know what day it is but this isn’t a bad idea to be honest.”

A spokesman said that everyone at Cork Airport was “incredibly proud” of Murphy’s recent Oscar win.

“Cillian Murphy’s successful acting career has invoked a strong sense of pride amongst his fellow Corkonians and has brought international acclaim to his hometown of Cork,” he said.

The Oppenheimer star grew up in Ballintemple, a suburb outside of Cork City. Tributes have been popping up around the area since the Academy Awards in March, including signs, cut-outs and a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on St Patrick’s Street.

However, we’ll have to wait and see whether or not any buildings really do get renamed in his honor.