Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty's friendship is a very special one - but how did these two unlikely pals first cross paths?
In 2024, Emma and Colin's connection made international headlines for their participation in the Dublin Marathon in 2024, with photos of them crossing the finish line together inspiring many of us.
The pair's close connection was palpable in the banter in their joint interviews to raise funds for Debra Ireland, and with their documentary about to be released, he's what we know about their bond.
Colin and Emma met years ago
Emma spoke to EVOKE about their 'great bond' in 2024, explaining that they met several years ago at a charity dinner and hit it off straight away.
'It's really grown into this beautiful friendship because we are an odd couple,' Emma explained. 'He's this big Hollywood A-list star, I'm the sick girl from County Laois.'
Emma was first introduced to Colin 'years ago' when the actor took part in a fundraising dinner for the Women's Mini Marathon and Debra Ireland when the charity, which aims to improve the lives of those suffering from EB, ran a competition for six women to meet the actor.
Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell. (RTÉ)
Emma attended the dinner as a representative of Debra Ireland, and it's lucky she did because the pair 'just clicked' instantly at the event and decided to exchange email addresses.
'It was just an email here and there, two or three times a year at the start,' she recalled. 'Now we speak at least once a month.'
'We really don't look like people that would get on so well, but we just really have a great bond and a great relationship and a wonderful friendship.'
'I will count him high up on my close friends list, and I would trust him immensely,' Emma said.
Taking on the Dublin Marathon
Like any true bestie, Emma held Colin to his word when she remembered that he had said he would 'love' to run the Dublin Marathon in aid of Debra about three or four years ago.
'I remember thinking last year [in 2023] when I was six months away from turning 40, and I wanted to do things special with all my friends and family - and that included Colin.'
The Penguin star has another unlikely person to thank for jogging Emma's memory of his promise... comedian Carl Mullan!
Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell at the 2024 Dublin Marathon. (RollingNews.ie)
Emma said: 'It was when I saw Carl Mullan cross the finish line [last year] and I was thinking, "Didn't Colin say he'd do the Dublin Marathon? Why don't I put that back to him and see if he will do it".'
Emma gushed over Colin's impressive feat of running 42km for the charity. 'He couldn't have been any better on the day,' she said.
She said: 'I think he felt a bit unprepared, but he totally smashed it out of the park. He was well able for it.
'And he was great at pushing the sports wheelchair. He might have been nervous, but didn't show! He was brilliant.'
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Colin managed to maneuver Emma around any potholes, dips, or stones on the road as he pushed her for the final 4km of the race.
She revealed that despite constantly experiencing chronic pain due to Epidermolysis Bullosa, she didn't need to take any painkillers during the marathon as her adrenaline was so high.
'It was just the most amazing experience I've ever had,' she reflected. However, when everything died down, 'that's when the pain hit'.
Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell in 'The Slightest Touch.'
Making their film, The Slightest Touch
Emma and Colin are happy to share their bond with the world and have made a documentary film about their connection and preparation for the Dublin Marathon.
Earlier this year, they hit the red carpet together as part of the Dublin International Film Festival for The Slightest Touch's premiere.
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While it was Emma's idea to do the marathon, it was Colin's idea to make the documentary, and it will be released on HBO on Wednesday, November 25.
A trailer for the watch includes Colin's voice notes to Emma and their prep for the marathon.
At one point, Colin admits: 'I have never had a camera crew come near my home. The reason I'm here is the same reason you're here: it's for Emma. Just those three words: It's for Emma. It's for Emma. It's for Emma.'
What has Colin said about their friendship?
Speaking at their film's premiere, Colin said any time they spend together is all 'golden.'
He said: 'We had a blast as friends tend to. We don't spend enough time together to fall out as well.
'I'm 6000 miles away, or she's 6000 we're 6000 miles apart. We communicate via voicemails and calls and stuff, and then when I'm home, we hang out a little bit.
'We're not together enough to have any arguments. Any time we have together is all golden.'
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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