If Star Wars characters were famous Irish people then they would be…

Do you agree?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set to blast its way into Irish cinemas this week and I'm expecting the cheers to be so loud that they'll echo through the galaxy when Han, Chewie, Leia and Luke all return to the galaxy far, far away. There's an Irish angle to J.J. Abrams' film also with Domnhall Gleeson playing the mysterious General Hux and with this in mind, we've decided to have a bit of fun and re-imagine what famous Irish people wouldn't look out of place in the Star Wars universe.

Darth Vader

There was good in him once but unbeknownst to those around him, he was seduced by the dark side of the force before betraying all those strict principles that he swore to uphold as a member of the Jedi order. As a Sith lord, he was hated by most and opposed by few. This being said, there's still some good in him. He's clearly... Enda Kenny

Chewbacca

Hairy, tough and he's well known to rip your arms off at the slightest provocation. He's probably rich also after getting a few handome paydays alongside Han Solo. He's clearly... Conor McGregor

The Emperor

The arch villain of the saga because he orchestrated the end of the Republic while ushering in a tyrannical empire. Shrewd, cunning and calculated, nobody saw his schemes until it was too late. He's clearly... Bertie Ahern

Admiral Akbar

He warned the Rebel Alliance that they we were all walking into a trap. Did they listen? No. He's clearly... David McWilliams

Yoda

He's wise, cultured and has plenty of experience in dealing with politics - he chaired the Jedi Council and tried to prevent the Empire from overthrowing the Republic. Living proof that size matters not. He's clearly... Michael D Higgins

Luke Skywalker

The force is also strong with Ireland's record try-scorer because he too came from nowhere to be the brightest talent in the galaxy. He also had a period with bleach blond hair - just like the last remaining Jedi - and like a lightsaber swathing through a hand, this man has cut through many a back-line. He's clearly... Brian O'Driscoll

Jar-Jar Binks

Some would say that he talks an awful amount of rubbish. He's clearly... Jim Corr

Qui-Gon Jin

Who else could play him? It's a shame that he didn't get to go 'full-Neeson' in The Phantom Menace. He's clearly... Liam Neeson

Boba Fett

Tough, ruthless and a deadly sharp-shooter when he's given the chance. This being said, he's still a bounty hunter and his allegiances switches frequently. Very famous in the galaxy also. He's clearly... Robbie Keane

The older Obi-Wan Kenobi

Wise, respected and experienced, his grey locks and face is well known throughout the galaxy. He's still the master that others strive to follow as seen by his training of Luke. Entirely devoted to the concept of an all powerful Force. Not unlike... He's clearly... Gay Byrne.

Lando Calrissian

Loved, hated and then loved again. After he walked out on the Rebel Alliance's cause - handing Han, Leia and Chewie over to the Empire - some people accused him of being a traitor. There was a period when people hated him but he has since redeemed himself. A scoundrel but our type of scoundrel. He's clearly... Roy Keane

Han Solo

Rebel, rogue, likes the ladies, feckless, loved, cool, scoundrel, scruffy and a charmer. He's clearly... Colin Farrell To get you in the super Star Wars mood (as if you weren't already), have a look at the latest trailer just one more time... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYA3WNdO4Bw Clip via Star Wars UK

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is released in Irish cinemas on 17 December