THURSDAY
Mrs Brown’s Boys
From time to time in life, most of us have a ‘dream’ that leaves us wondering later… was that actually a dream? Or did it really happen?
I’m pretty sure one of my recurring dreams goes something like this…
In the dream (it must be a dream) an Irish comedian with a fondness for the f-word and associated crude humour devises a so-called sitcom in which he plays a foul-mouthed old woman/matriarch to the family.
Having aired it on Irish radio, he launches Mrs Brown’s Boys on UK TV. It goes on to attract millions of viewers and countless awards (including Best Comedy Award at the National Television Awards last week).
The sitcom is puerile, although in fairness it has its moments, and can be heart-warming. Even so, this tale turns farcical, because the level of recognition and acclaim Mrs Brown’s Boys receives theoretically puts this simplistic slapstick in the same league as Fawlty Towers, Porridge, Only Fools and Horses, etc. The accolades just keep coming, as comedy snobs (like me) look on, truly bewildered.
Surely it’s just a series of bizarre dreams? If it’s reality – and this is really happening – then fair play to Brendan O’Carroll. But it’s not for me. I can’t blame the Grandad character for sleeping through the whole thing!
FRIDAY
Out and about…
Dinner in Regan’s Gastro Pub tonight was very enjoyable. We didn’t meet the Sunday World’s ageless Pub Spy, or the ageless Frank Brandon – both of whom recently sang the praises of Regan’s in print – but then we’ve long been aware of this landmark establishment’s fine food, welcoming ambience and warm hospitality.
We were with our long-time friends Ciaran and Angela Mullooly, enjoying a first ‘catch-up’ since Ciaran’s elevation last June to the European Parliament, where he is now one of Ireland’s fourteen MEPs. There was much to talk about!
Afterwards, a couple of drinks in Doorly’s (Corner House) – a beautiful, cosy premises in the heart of Roscommon town – brought the night to a close.
*Pub Spy’s local report: Page 14
SATURDAY
Breffni blues
We travelled to Breffni Park in Cavan today for the All-Ireland Masters final, in which Roscommon met Tyrone. It was an enjoyable day out, but unfortunately the result went against Roscommon. See more of my views on the day on page 45, and Seamus Duke’s report on page 46.
SUNDAY
Dangerous times
An otherwise standard Sunday is elevated beyond that by breaking news from America, where there’s just been another assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump (the second in two months).
Reassured that Mr Trump had not been hurt, I tuned into CNN. Apparently the former president was playing golf on his own course in West Palm Beach in Florida when a would-be assassin, armed with an AK-47-style assault rifle, was spotted hiding in bushes.
The press conference that followed was one of those intriguing ones where the serious folks at ‘local police’ level get to share the platform with the very serious folks at FBI/Secret Service (national) level.
The local guy was no-nonsense Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. He started the press briefing, and wasn’t in any particular hurry to end it. You could see the more tight-lipped national law enforcement personnel looking a touch nervous as ‘Ric’ went out of his way to reveal details.
Trump was playing the 5th hole when Secret Service agents spotted a gunman hiding in bushes a few hundred yards further on. Shots were fired by the Secret Service, and the gunman fled, before being apprehended a few minutes later.
Sheriff Bradshaw even informed the press (and public) that the security personnel always move one or two holes ahead of Trump when he’s playing golf. The Secret Service man beside him didn’t look happy about all this information sharing.
Finally, the Sheriff called on the man from the Secret Service to address the media. He took his place in front of the mic. After one or two exchanges with reporters, during which he was considerably more reserved than Sheriff Ric, the man from the Secret Service was asked about security arrangements for Mr Trump.
“We live in dangerous times” he replied.
MONDAY
On Netflix…
We’re currently watching Prison Break on Netflix. Yes, I’m aware that many years have passed since its release (no pun intended), but I suppose that’s the nature of how people view streaming options.
This suspenseful thriller is very enjoyable. I’ve just discovered there are 90 episodes, so still 65 or so to go!
*If any readers would like to make some streaming recommendations, send your suggestions to paul@roscommonpeople.ie and I’ll share them in this column.
TUESDAY
Simon says…
Your humble columnist was quite happy with the ‘Simon project’ until I saw a report from the ploughing on TV tonight (it feels like half the country is at the National Ploughing Championships in Laois).
Giving the media one of those soundbites that politicians love, Simon Harris – wanting to come across as authentic – came across as not entirely authentic.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed the ploughing so much today… (that) I’m going to spend another day here”.
Was Simon seriously trying to give the impression that having enjoyed his day at the ploughing so much, he had made a spur of the moment decision to spend a second day there? Come off it! It’s not as if the Taoiseach’s schedule isn’t well planned in advance.
Oh I guess we’ll let him off with this one (maybe the sun’s making me grumpy!).
WEDNESDAY
Pat’s rant
Pat Kenny is a great broadcaster, but sometimes he just can’t seem to avoid slipping into Alan Partridge mode (the comedy character made famous by Steve Coogan).
In a slightly bizarre interview with transport commentator Conor Faughnan on Newstalk today, Pat went on a persistent rant about cyclists… and the need (in his view) for it to be mandatory for said cyclists to wear helmets.
When Mr Faughnan politely disagreed, Pat became a touch indignant, and unintentionally funny… launching into full Partridge mode (including citing his own experience with cyclists). You can listen back via the Newstalk website!
