Hanly attended Dublin Youth Theatre as a young teen where he started his acting career. He continues to work as an actor in
Dublin, where he lives with his wife Jennifer O'Dea and their two children. He wrote and acted in his play “What are you afraid of?” In Kilkenny Arts Festival August 5-12 2025. {{cite news |author=Andrea Smith |title=It started with a kiss | date=28 June 2009 ==Selected filmography==