SHE is a top Hollywood star but likes nothing more than spending time with her family and dog Sassy in her rural home.

Saoirse Ronan plays a teenage assassin in her upcoming movie ‘Hanna’ — but she looked just like any other teenager last night as she arrived at a ceremony in Carlow town.

The 16-year-old, from Ardattin, Co Carlow, was presenting awards to deserving young people.

Saoirse, who was joined by her parents, Monica and Paul, arrived early at the town’s new contemporary arts centre and theatre, Visual.

The actress, who was dressed casually in an ‘I love New York’ vest, black T-shirt, a light pink blazer and flat shoes, presented the Carlow Youth Awards.

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Saoirse was particularly interested in the Guns ‘n’ Roses gig which angered fans at the O2 on Wednesday night and chatted about the concert outside Visual.

She also said she had just watched a screening of ‘Hanna’ — her new spy thriller.

Saoirse plays a young girl who has been trained by her father to kill. She said she “really enjoyed” it and did two hours in the gym and two hours of martial arts in the run-up to the film.

“I wouldn’t call it an action movie,” she said.

“It’s a movie that has a lot of action in it. It goes quite deep as to where Hanna comes from and what she’s all about.

“To me, it doesn’t seem like your typical action film or action hero.

“She’s a particularly interesting character,” added Saoirse.

The movie also stars Eric Bana and Cate Blanchett.

- Eimear Ni Bhraonain

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