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Graham Strugnell
Graham Strugnell
10 months ago

Its main writer, Graham Linehan, cannot find work now as he’s been cancelled for daring to question trans orthodoxy. That’s the real story.

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago

And very sad too.

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

Not an admirer of Graham Linehan by any means, but I am 200% behind him on the trans issue.

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago

And very sad too.

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

Not an admirer of Graham Linehan by any means, but I am 200% behind him on the trans issue.

Graham Strugnell
Graham Strugnell
10 months ago

Its main writer, Graham Linehan, cannot find work now as he’s been cancelled for daring to question trans orthodoxy. That’s the real story.

John Murray
John Murray
10 months ago

Eh. It was a brutally funny anti-Catholic satire. Father Jack is an alcoholic womanizer, Ted embezzled church funds, and Dougal is a moron. Instead of being sanctioned they’ve been quietly moved by the church to an obscure spot where they can continue to be utterly useless to all around them.

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

I recall from the time there was appreciation from people in the church they had been “satirised” so gently. Ted, Dougal and co aren’t really presented as any more contemptible than anyone else in the program. Thanks for the read anyway

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

I think different people reacted to Fr Ted in different ways. It certainly took advantage of some Irish tropes and clericalised them.

Last edited 10 months ago by Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

It was a pity that an actor as versatile as the late Frank Kelly is mainly remembered as Fr Jack Hackett. Kelly was a major member of the cast of “Hall’s Pictorial Weekly” in the 1970s, which some people credit with bringing down Liam Cosgrave’s government in 1977. Whatever the case, Garrett FitzGerald wasn’t running the risk and had the series cancelled when he got into power in 1981.

Kelly also attracted the admiration of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who wrote to him appreciatively following his parody of the 12 Days of Christmas, “Christmas Countdown”, which really is a stage Irishman taken to a level of absurdity.
Dermot Morgan had a similar experience in the radio programme Scrap Saturday, which hilariously lampooned Charles Haughey and his government. Haughey didn’t take action, but his successor Albert Reynolds did forcing that show off the airwaves.
A propos of the original comment here, Fr Ted Crilly wasn’t Morgan’s first clerical outing as he had already created a character Fr Brian Trendy, who was basically the junior curate/priest running retreats for secondary school pupils trying to be cool and failing miserably. So if you hear Irish people referring to liberals within the Catholic Church as the “Fr Trendys”, that’s the origin of the phrase (though it was never meant to ideological).

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

I think different people reacted to Fr Ted in different ways. It certainly took advantage of some Irish tropes and clericalised them.

Last edited 10 months ago by Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

It was a pity that an actor as versatile as the late Frank Kelly is mainly remembered as Fr Jack Hackett. Kelly was a major member of the cast of “Hall’s Pictorial Weekly” in the 1970s, which some people credit with bringing down Liam Cosgrave’s government in 1977. Whatever the case, Garrett FitzGerald wasn’t running the risk and had the series cancelled when he got into power in 1981.

Kelly also attracted the admiration of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who wrote to him appreciatively following his parody of the 12 Days of Christmas, “Christmas Countdown”, which really is a stage Irishman taken to a level of absurdity.
Dermot Morgan had a similar experience in the radio programme Scrap Saturday, which hilariously lampooned Charles Haughey and his government. Haughey didn’t take action, but his successor Albert Reynolds did forcing that show off the airwaves.
A propos of the original comment here, Fr Ted Crilly wasn’t Morgan’s first clerical outing as he had already created a character Fr Brian Trendy, who was basically the junior curate/priest running retreats for secondary school pupils trying to be cool and failing miserably. So if you hear Irish people referring to liberals within the Catholic Church as the “Fr Trendys”, that’s the origin of the phrase (though it was never meant to ideological).

Lennon Ó Náraigh
Lennon Ó Náraigh
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

Instead of being defrocked, these three rogues were “sent to another parish”.

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago

Which is exactly what the Church of Rome does again and again. I could tell a few stories…..

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago

Which is exactly what the Church of Rome does again and again. I could tell a few stories…..

Anthony Roe
Anthony Roe
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

Nah. In the end it is an affectionate comedy of manners and misunderstandings (even Father Jack) and that is why, like Dad’s Army and Fawlty Towers, it is still loved.

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

I recall from the time there was appreciation from people in the church they had been “satirised” so gently. Ted, Dougal and co aren’t really presented as any more contemptible than anyone else in the program. Thanks for the read anyway

Lennon Ó Náraigh
Lennon Ó Náraigh
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

Instead of being defrocked, these three rogues were “sent to another parish”.

Anthony Roe
Anthony Roe
10 months ago
Reply to  John Murray

Nah. In the end it is an affectionate comedy of manners and misunderstandings (even Father Jack) and that is why, like Dad’s Army and Fawlty Towers, it is still loved.

John Murray
John Murray
10 months ago

Eh. It was a brutally funny anti-Catholic satire. Father Jack is an alcoholic womanizer, Ted embezzled church funds, and Dougal is a moron. Instead of being sanctioned they’ve been quietly moved by the church to an obscure spot where they can continue to be utterly useless to all around them.

andy young
andy young
10 months ago

It’s up there with Fawlty Towers for me. I abhor the whole notion of ‘The Best’ as you cannot compare such things as comedy in absolute terms. But, like Fawlty Towers, I can’t think of anything funnier.

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago
Reply to  andy young

Yes, Fawlty Towers is at the top.. I’m not sure if the Spanisg like it as much as the Irish like Fr Ted? I especially like the Major.. I think of him whenever I read a contribution from my sparing partner here, Charles Stanhope.

Christopher Barclay
Christopher Barclay
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Spanish TV showed Fawlty Towers. The waiter in the Spanish version was Italian.

Christopher Barclay
Christopher Barclay
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Spanish TV showed Fawlty Towers. The waiter in the Spanish version was Italian.

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago
Reply to  andy young

Yes, Fawlty Towers is at the top.. I’m not sure if the Spanisg like it as much as the Irish like Fr Ted? I especially like the Major.. I think of him whenever I read a contribution from my sparing partner here, Charles Stanhope.

andy young
andy young
10 months ago

It’s up there with Fawlty Towers for me. I abhor the whole notion of ‘The Best’ as you cannot compare such things as comedy in absolute terms. But, like Fawlty Towers, I can’t think of anything funnier.

Peter Lee
Peter Lee
10 months ago

It was a well-written comedy that people all over the UK (and probably beyond) enjoyed immensely.

Peter Lee
Peter Lee
10 months ago

It was a well-written comedy that people all over the UK (and probably beyond) enjoyed immensely.

Christopher Barclay
Christopher Barclay
10 months ago

Another marker of Ireland’s changing society was the closure of the last Magdalene Laundry, Our Lady of Charity on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin in 1996. Previously the Catholic Church and the companies and other organisations served had been able to exploit the slave labour of single mothers and their children.

Christopher Barclay
Christopher Barclay
10 months ago

Another marker of Ireland’s changing society was the closure of the last Magdalene Laundry, Our Lady of Charity on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin in 1996. Previously the Catholic Church and the companies and other organisations served had been able to exploit the slave labour of single mothers and their children.

Paul MacDonnell
Paul MacDonnell
10 months ago

Very good.

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago

Thanks Paul

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago

Thanks Paul

Paul MacDonnell
Paul MacDonnell
10 months ago

Very good.

Martin Bollis
Martin Bollis
10 months ago

I’ve never watched father Ted, so most of this passed me by, but I still feel I’m
«occupying that strange place when, as the earth shakes, a chasm opens up between the past and the future.»

polidori redux
polidori redux
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Try it. As a non-Irish soul I can see and laugh at the portrayal of universal human frailty. It presses the same buttons as Wodehouse – At least for me.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  polidori redux

Indeed, who could forget ‘The Pilgrimage to Rome’ or Mrs Doyle’s free fall from an upper storey window!

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago

..so this is where you get your in depth knowledge of Ireland and Irish people. I did wonder.. now all becomes clear!

polidori redux
polidori redux
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

I wonder what it is like to be humourless

Last edited 10 months ago by polidori redux
Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Come off it Liam you curmudgeonly old scold!
It was completely harmless good fun and millions enjoyed it on both sides of the Irish Sea and quite rightly so.

D Glover
D Glover
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

You do realise that Fawlty Towers is not a documentary, and the Major is not real?

polidori redux
polidori redux
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

I wonder what it is like to be humourless

Last edited 10 months ago by polidori redux
Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Come off it Liam you curmudgeonly old scold!
It was completely harmless good fun and millions enjoyed it on both sides of the Irish Sea and quite rightly so.

D Glover
D Glover
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

You do realise that Fawlty Towers is not a documentary, and the Major is not real?

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago

..so this is where you get your in depth knowledge of Ireland and Irish people. I did wonder.. now all becomes clear!

Allie McBeth
Allie McBeth
10 months ago
Reply to  polidori redux

It’s the performances of all concerned that do it for me. The plots too – the one where Ted gets his fellow priests out of ‘Ladies’ Lingerie, a la a Richard Burton type just killed me!

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  polidori redux

Indeed, who could forget ‘The Pilgrimage to Rome’ or Mrs Doyle’s free fall from an upper storey window!

Allie McBeth
Allie McBeth
10 months ago
Reply to  polidori redux

It’s the performances of all concerned that do it for me. The plots too – the one where Ted gets his fellow priests out of ‘Ladies’ Lingerie, a la a Richard Burton type just killed me!

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Same Martin!

Steve Murray
Steve Murray
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

I’ve never watched it either – at least not a full episode – but what’s described seems very familiar. As a grandson of an Irish immigrant i have a soft spot for Ireland and what fascinates me is the way it acts as a microcosm of modernity, having fallen for the certainties of Catholicism (which of course are anything but) perhaps due to the harsh nature of day-to-day existence prior to when the main emigrations took place. How it deals with the aftermath can be instructive, in both a positive and negative way.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Steve Murray

The saddest thing is that Dermot Morgan who played Father Ted died at the age of 45, whilst hosting a Dinner Party in Richmond (SW London).

A very sad loss it must be said, and one that I still remember.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Steve Murray

The saddest thing is that Dermot Morgan who played Father Ted died at the age of 45, whilst hosting a Dinner Party in Richmond (SW London).

A very sad loss it must be said, and one that I still remember.

JR Stoker
JR Stoker
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Another Irish TV chasm exposer, also written in Ireland, filmed in Ireland, and with a largely Irish cast, is The Irish RM, based on the book of that name, and a wonderful adaption. The locals constantly get the better of the “occupying” Angle-Irish and the Anglo-I’s never really realise what is going on or that this will soon lead to Irish independence

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  JR Stoker

Peter Bowles as the RM? Yes splendid almost as good as Porterhouse Blue of the same vintage!
They certainly knew how to make splendid TV in those days.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  JR Stoker

Peter Bowles as the RM? Yes splendid almost as good as Porterhouse Blue of the same vintage!
They certainly knew how to make splendid TV in those days.

polidori redux
polidori redux
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Try it. As a non-Irish soul I can see and laugh at the portrayal of universal human frailty. It presses the same buttons as Wodehouse – At least for me.

Conor Fitzgerald
Conor Fitzgerald
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Same Martin!

Steve Murray
Steve Murray
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

I’ve never watched it either – at least not a full episode – but what’s described seems very familiar. As a grandson of an Irish immigrant i have a soft spot for Ireland and what fascinates me is the way it acts as a microcosm of modernity, having fallen for the certainties of Catholicism (which of course are anything but) perhaps due to the harsh nature of day-to-day existence prior to when the main emigrations took place. How it deals with the aftermath can be instructive, in both a positive and negative way.

JR Stoker
JR Stoker
10 months ago
Reply to  Martin Bollis

Another Irish TV chasm exposer, also written in Ireland, filmed in Ireland, and with a largely Irish cast, is The Irish RM, based on the book of that name, and a wonderful adaption. The locals constantly get the better of the “occupying” Angle-Irish and the Anglo-I’s never really realise what is going on or that this will soon lead to Irish independence

Martin Bollis
Martin Bollis
10 months ago

I’ve never watched father Ted, so most of this passed me by, but I still feel I’m
«occupying that strange place when, as the earth shakes, a chasm opens up between the past and the future.»

Peter Shaw
Peter Shaw
10 months ago

Now the Catholic Church has collapsed Ireland has become a haven of love and peace where people of all faiths and nationalities co-exist in halcyon harmony.

Patrick Au
Patrick Au
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

AMEN

Mônica
Mônica
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

If that means one less institution to abuse children and enslave women, I am all for it.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Mônica

Or kill women who request an abortion!
“We’re a Catholic Country and don’t do abortion”*.

Or murder unwanted babies**

(* Galway Regional Hospital.)

(** Bon Secours Mother & Baby Home, Tuam Co Galway, and presumably a myriad of other ‘places’ both in Ireland and elsewhere.)

ps Come on you Paddy apologists! Do you seriously deny this happened in the ‘Kerrygold Republic’?

Of course in the abortion case it doesn’t really matter does it because the wretched woman was of Indian origin! ie Not a true Paddy!

Last edited 10 months ago by Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Mônica

Or kill women who request an abortion!
“We’re a Catholic Country and don’t do abortion”*.

Or murder unwanted babies**

(* Galway Regional Hospital.)

(** Bon Secours Mother & Baby Home, Tuam Co Galway, and presumably a myriad of other ‘places’ both in Ireland and elsewhere.)

ps Come on you Paddy apologists! Do you seriously deny this happened in the ‘Kerrygold Republic’?

Of course in the abortion case it doesn’t really matter does it because the wretched woman was of Indian origin! ie Not a true Paddy!

Last edited 10 months ago by Charles Stanhope
Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

Can you elucidate please.. and in doing so please differentiate between the UK part of the island and the Republic because they are very different in this regard. In the latter, Protestant, Jewish and Muslims, despite their tiny numbers, are hugely OVER represented in all walks of life not least political. I can attest that has been so for the last 50 years from personal experience…
ignoring the miniscule number of xenophobic racists that sadly occur everywhere especially when nasty politicians egg them on (especially in England).

Roger Sponge
Roger Sponge
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

RoI: the only EU country since WW2 to have a leading political party with close links to a private army.
One responsible for the torture, maiming and killing of thousands of Irish people in pursuit of its agenda.

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago
Reply to  Roger Sponge

Interesting to note that with an RoI army of only 4,000 even the UK could invade successfully. Maybe we should?

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago
Reply to  Roger Sponge

Interesting to note that with an RoI army of only 4,000 even the UK could invade successfully. Maybe we should?

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

“Protestant, Jewish and Muslims, despite their tiny numbers, are hugely OVER represented in all walks of life not least political.”

Because they have talent and the rest don’t. Simple as that Liam old chap.

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

I am not sure if talent is a ticket to political success in Ireland regardless of what background you come from. I can say that the former Fine Gael Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, who is a Dublin Jew, was certainly a head and shoulders over most of his colleagues (and resented for it), but most of the other political figures from the religious minorities in the Republic of Ireland are not much different from their colleagues of Catholic background.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago

QED.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago

QED.

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago

I am not sure if talent is a ticket to political success in Ireland regardless of what background you come from. I can say that the former Fine Gael Justice Minister, Alan Shatter, who is a Dublin Jew, was certainly a head and shoulders over most of his colleagues (and resented for it), but most of the other political figures from the religious minorities in the Republic of Ireland are not much different from their colleagues of Catholic background.

Roger Sponge
Roger Sponge
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

RoI: the only EU country since WW2 to have a leading political party with close links to a private army.
One responsible for the torture, maiming and killing of thousands of Irish people in pursuit of its agenda.

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

“Protestant, Jewish and Muslims, despite their tiny numbers, are hugely OVER represented in all walks of life not least political.”

Because they have talent and the rest don’t. Simple as that Liam old chap.

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

Can’t find a laughing emoji to use…..

Patrick Au
Patrick Au
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

AMEN

Mônica
Mônica
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

If that means one less institution to abuse children and enslave women, I am all for it.

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

Can you elucidate please.. and in doing so please differentiate between the UK part of the island and the Republic because they are very different in this regard. In the latter, Protestant, Jewish and Muslims, despite their tiny numbers, are hugely OVER represented in all walks of life not least political. I can attest that has been so for the last 50 years from personal experience…
ignoring the miniscule number of xenophobic racists that sadly occur everywhere especially when nasty politicians egg them on (especially in England).

Dominic S
Dominic S
10 months ago
Reply to  Peter Shaw

Can’t find a laughing emoji to use…..

Peter Shaw
Peter Shaw
10 months ago

Now the Catholic Church has collapsed Ireland has become a haven of love and peace where people of all faiths and nationalities co-exist in halcyon harmony.

AC Harper
AC Harper
10 months ago

When I think back over comedy I have liked (Father Ted, Fawlty Towers, Dad’s Army, Allo Allo, Only fools and horses, Soap) it struck me that although the characters were often parodied it was the fact that they were not slick and not really in control that appealed – just like real life. Other comedies involved characters who were slick and sneering and those type of personalities are just not funny.

AC Harper
AC Harper
10 months ago

When I think back over comedy I have liked (Father Ted, Fawlty Towers, Dad’s Army, Allo Allo, Only fools and horses, Soap) it struck me that although the characters were often parodied it was the fact that they were not slick and not really in control that appealed – just like real life. Other comedies involved characters who were slick and sneering and those type of personalities are just not funny.

Mônica
Mônica
10 months ago

“The closest the programme came was its introduction of Graham Norton to an unsuspecting world.”

Which was not a small feat.

Mônica
Mônica
10 months ago

“The closest the programme came was its introduction of Graham Norton to an unsuspecting world.”

Which was not a small feat.

Anthony Doyle
Anthony Doyle
10 months ago

The writer’s entirety one sided approach to the subject and the unanimity of fawning posters sadly suggest that Unherd is becoming the echo chamber it claimed to deride.

Anyone who grew up in Ireland in the late 20th Century should surely have a more nuanced view of Church, State and Society.

From the Antipodes it appears that the modern Ireland that the writer lauds is a mongrelised cross between a 3rd rate version of the UK having a particularly bad day and a wannabe woke Eurotrash.

Anthony Doyle
Anthony Doyle
10 months ago

The writer’s entirety one sided approach to the subject and the unanimity of fawning posters sadly suggest that Unherd is becoming the echo chamber it claimed to deride.

Anyone who grew up in Ireland in the late 20th Century should surely have a more nuanced view of Church, State and Society.

From the Antipodes it appears that the modern Ireland that the writer lauds is a mongrelised cross between a 3rd rate version of the UK having a particularly bad day and a wannabe woke Eurotrash.

D Glover
D Glover
10 months ago

I doubt if it would be tolerated now. A recurrent strand is the stupidity of Fr. Dougal. But Fr. Dougal clearly has learning difficulties; he is disabled.
We just don’t laugh at them anymore.

Peadar Laighléis
Peadar Laighléis
10 months ago
Reply to  D Glover

In my experience, Father Dougal is a caricature of many of the younger Catholic clergy working in Ireland right now that is unfortunately too close to the bone for comfort.

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago

I didn’t especially like Fr Ted but if I accidentally saw a snippet I was drawn in.. I’m not a huge fan of slapstick and OTT humour. This piece is a fair take on the issues raised though, no doubt, some GB viewers will think this just how it is in poor, backward Ireland? ..Mrs Brown’s Boys being another.. I won’t shatter their illusions and spoil their fun..

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Perhaps you prefer Ken Loach?

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

What about “Derry Girls”?

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

Perhaps you prefer Ken Loach?

Charles Stanhope
Charles Stanhope
10 months ago
Reply to  Liam O'Mahony

What about “Derry Girls”?

Liam O'Mahony
Liam O'Mahony
10 months ago

I didn’t especially like Fr Ted but if I accidentally saw a snippet I was drawn in.. I’m not a huge fan of slapstick and OTT humour. This piece is a fair take on the issues raised though, no doubt, some GB viewers will think this just how it is in poor, backward Ireland? ..Mrs Brown’s Boys being another.. I won’t shatter their illusions and spoil their fun..