Ardal O'Hanlon

The word legend can be bandied about with great ease. So much so when a true legend comes along the meaning can be lost.
Ardal O’Hanlon is a true comedy legend in the context of stand up in Ireland. Long before Ardal became a household name for his wonderful portrayal of Dougal McGuire in Father Ted he was one of the most revered and respected stand ups in the country. He is one of those rarities that’s loved by critics, audiences and other comics alike.
Some of us who had the pleasure of watching him on stage in those early days before his inevitable and deserved rise to the very top still believe it’s on the stage he belongs. Thankfully he seems to agree which is why, at a time when he could fill the biggest venues in the UK and Ireland he has decided to go back to his roots and join the Lisa Richards comedy circuit.
It was while watching Ardal in the Comedy Cellar in the Dublin that I began my love affair and my career in comedy. This is something I share with many Irish comedians. Come and see Ardal in action if only just to see how good a comedian has to be to have such a profound effect on his peers.
Ardal went on to become a huge star in Britain starring in such series as Father Ted, Big Bad World, Blessed, My Hero, Robbie the Reindeer and he also hosted The Stand Up Show.
Beyond the world of television, O’Hanlon is an accomplished writer, and has written a novel, The Talk Of The Town (known in the United States as Knick Knack Paddy Whack), which was published in 1998.
Despite all the success that surrounds his professional life Ardal does have to suffer the frustration that comes with being a massive Leeds Utd fan. Something that would try the patience of a saint or at least a comedy priest.

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