Barry Keoghan's confidence 'knocked out' of him when he got rejected by dance and drama schools

Barry Keoghan's confidence was "knocked out" of him when he got rejected by dance and drama schools.

The 32-year-old actor began applying to performing arts institutions following his role as Aido in the Irish Film Board's crime film 'Between the Canals' in 2010, but Barry felt "lost" when he was refused entry into the dance and drama school companies.

The movie star told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I did not get into any. I was lost. I had just finished school. It was like having your confidence knocked out."

Despite the setback, Barry eventually enrolled at The Factory - now known as Bow Street Academy - in Dublin.

The decision ultimately led to Barry starring in the organised crime drama series 'Love/Hate' in 2013, which helped to kick-start his career in Ireland.

He said: "The Factory was not an acting school - it was more of a place of pure collaboration and had an experimental approach."