Amanda Stuart

Here's the story: It was July 1991. I was 40 years old and living in Los Angeles, trying to become a famous actress. It wasn't working. A guy I had met some years prior had told me about Galway, Ireland. He said it was a very artistic city and I'd fit right in.

Since nothing was happening with my career, I quit my job, took my savings and headed to Galway for what I thought might be a month or so. I read in the local newspaper that they were looking for volunteers to sell tickets for the Galway Film Festival. I thought it would be a great way to meet some new people.

A week into my volunteering, a very nice young man walked in to buy a ticket for one of the films. We hit if off (lust at first sight perhaps?). I decided to stay in Galway just a bit longer than planned. I met a well-known performer from Australia at the Arts Festival which was going on at the same time. He invited me to be in his show at the Edinburgh festival, which was happening in August. I said yes of course.

The young man I had met in Galway came out to see me in the show in Edinburgh and promptly proposed. We married in April 1992! Still happily married and now living in Cork!