News
Father Ted Festival
26 February 2007
Fans of popular sitcom Father Ted have gathered for a festival held in honour of the show.
Regarded as one of the most popular shows ever broadcast on Channel Four in the UK, the Father Ted Festival managed to attract over 1,000 visitors on the Irish island of Inis Mor.
It was the first event of its kind and featured a host of activities based on famous scenes from the programme.
Most guests dressed up as priests in honour of the stars of the show, while the ladies came as nuns and Father Ted's sidekick Mrs Doyle.
Activities included the Toilet Duck Comedy Awards, a Song for Europe and a Lovely Ladies competition.
"We just thought it was going to be fun for a few friends but the interest has been staggering," festival organiser Fergal McCarthy told the Metro.
The event was almost overshadowed by a dispute between the island of Inis Mor and its neighbour Inis Oirr over which bears the greatest resemblance to the mythical Craggy Island where the show was set.
In order to settle the row a five-a-side football match between the two islands was held, with some former Irish stars turning out as managers.
Tony Cascarino and John Aldridge took charge of a team each, with Cascarino coming out on top with a 2-0 win.
The victory means that Inis Mor will host the event again next year, with the festival expected to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the death of Dermot Morgan who played the lead role of Father Ted.
© Adfero Ltd
Regarded as one of the most popular shows ever broadcast on Channel Four in the UK, the Father Ted Festival managed to attract over 1,000 visitors on the Irish island of Inis Mor.
It was the first event of its kind and featured a host of activities based on famous scenes from the programme.
Most guests dressed up as priests in honour of the stars of the show, while the ladies came as nuns and Father Ted's sidekick Mrs Doyle.
Activities included the Toilet Duck Comedy Awards, a Song for Europe and a Lovely Ladies competition.
"We just thought it was going to be fun for a few friends but the interest has been staggering," festival organiser Fergal McCarthy told the Metro.
The event was almost overshadowed by a dispute between the island of Inis Mor and its neighbour Inis Oirr over which bears the greatest resemblance to the mythical Craggy Island where the show was set.
In order to settle the row a five-a-side football match between the two islands was held, with some former Irish stars turning out as managers.
Tony Cascarino and John Aldridge took charge of a team each, with Cascarino coming out on top with a 2-0 win.
The victory means that Inis Mor will host the event again next year, with the festival expected to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the death of Dermot Morgan who played the lead role of Father Ted.
© Adfero Ltd
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