A young actor from Limerick is anxiously awaiting the reaction to his debut feature film performance in the award winning film, Garage, which goes on cinema release all over Ireland this Friday (October 5).

Conor J Ryan, a transition year student at Crescent College Comprehensive, shares the screen with Pat Shortt and The Magdalene Sisters actress, Anne-Marie McDuff, in the film.

The Mungret man, who has years of stage experience along with a previous role in short film The Longest Ditch, was not daunted taking on the role of petrol pump attendant David in Garage. The 16 year old also trained at the Centrestage Theatre School.

"It was an amazing experience, even though it was completely different from being on stage. Pat Shortt was brilliant and really helped me along if I wasn't doing something a certain way. The director, Lenny Abrahamson, was excellent too and deserves all the awards," said Conor.

He added that critical reactions, as well as those of family and friends, have been good so far. The film won an award at the Cannes Film Festival and has been well received at others, including the Toronto Film Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh. "Everyone who has seen it has loved it. They all say it's very deep but it's a great film and I really enjoyed being a part of it."

"I don't know if I prefer film or stage really; I have mixed feelings and maybe I'd like to do both. For now, I'm just looking forward to seeing what the audiences think of it when it goes on release at the end of the week," he said. Garage has been lauded as "the coming of age of Irish cinema" and Limerick actor and comedian Pat Shortt has been acclaimed for his portrayal of lonely garage attendant, Josie.

The film, jointly written by Clare man Mark O'Halloran, is hotly tipped for more awards.

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