Deliveroo celebrates ‘Small, Far Away Day’ with miniature menu

Jul 18, 2019

Small, Far Away Day, the fictitious July 19 holiday from Irish sitcom Father Ted, is nearly upon us and Deliveroo is celebrating this rejoiceful occasion by partnering with Sano Pizza in Temple Bar to bring a miniature food menu exclusively to Deliveroo.

The holiday became a reality on social media years after the episode originally aired. In it, Father Ted and Father Dougal went on a holiday in a caravan. During their time, Ted struggles to explain to Dougal the difference between the concepts of ‘small’, and ‘far away’.

Although Dougal struggles with this concept, Deliveroo does not, and these delicious treats are living proof of it. The exclusive to Deliveroo menu consists of a holy selection between far away (large) and small (mini) pizzas:

Marinara – Mini (€4) / Large (€7)

Margherita – Mini (€4.50) / Large (€8.90)

Diavola – Mini (€5) / Large (€9.90)

Joe Groves from Deliveroo said, “We are thrilled to be partnering up with the heavenly Sano Pizza, celebrating one of the greatest sitcom series of all time.

“While we do offer small foods, as can be seen, Deliveroo is never far away, with delicious meals delivered straight to your doorstep in thirty minutes or less,” he added.

The hilarious ‘small, far away’ scene has gone down in history as one of the best one-liners of any sitcom, and despite the show being over twenty years old, the scene from the episode ‘Hell’ is fondly remembered today as TV gold in Ireland and the UK.

Sano Pizza’s faithful miniature menu will be available exclusively on the Deliveroo app or website for one day only on Friday, July 19.

Ahh, go on, go on, go on, go on…

Irish comedian Brendan Grace has died following lung cancer battle

Jul 11, 2019

by Kate Brayden

Veteran Irish comedian Brendan Grace has passed away aged 68, his representative has confirmed.

The legendary comedian announced earlier in July that he was cancelling a number of tour dates in July and August in order to receive medical help.

Grace was initially hospitalised with pneumonia but later a diagnosis of lung cancer was made.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michael Duggan (@michaeldugganphotography) on Oct 25, 2018 at 6:35am PDT

The comic had began his career in the 1960s as a musician, and went on to bring in huge audiences for his stand-up gigs across the nation. He also achieved widespread TV success.

Routines such as 'Father of the Bride', 'Bottler' and 'Chinese Takeaway' built a loyal fan-base for his shows and one-off specials which garnered high ratings.

Consistently high ratings resulted in TV3 commissioning an animated special based on his iconic schoolboy character 'Bottler'.

Grace brought in a whole new generation of fans in the 1990s after appearing in the Father Ted series as priest Fr Fintan Stack.

His number one hit Combine Harvester was later covered by The Wurzels in the UK, and he also toured with Frank Sinatra and John Denver.

He usually closed his stand-up shows with a humorous song, keeping music close to his heart at all times. While he lived in Florida for many years, he'd often return to Ireland to perform.

Tom Kelly, Grace's booking agent of nearly 30 years, spoke to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland and referred to the comedian as "one of the greatest entertainers of this era";

“You could see at every show how people just warmed to him.On nights when the audience might not have been very warm – that very seldom happened – he could turn around, pick up his guitar and sing a song with great authority," Kelly said.

“All in all, we can look back with pride at Brendan’s lifetime. Great family man, very close to his family. Just adored by his fans all over the country and indeed abroad as well. His popularity spread right around the world.”

Feature image: Instagram/@louloubooboo21

The perfect Father’s Day gift guide for TV and film fanatic dads

Jun 15, 2019

by Kate Brayden

Father's Day is almost here, which means two things: last minute gift shopping and a higher tolerance for dad jokes for one day only.

Whether it's your step-dad, a special father figure in your life or your parent, buying the right gift can be tricky to navigate but worth it for the results.

Is your Papa obsessed with fantasy themes like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings? Or is he more of a Breaking Bad lad?

From Peaky Blinders caps to Sherlock detective gear, here are some of our favourite gift ideas for TV and film franchise fanatics this Father's Day.

1. Men's Star Wars pyjamas

2. The Unofficial Game of Thrones cookbook

Buy: *Rakuten Kobo*
Price: €9.78 (excl. shipping)

3. Breaking Bad: The complete DVD series

4. Guardians of the Galaxy Dancing Groot Speaker

5. By the order of the Peaky Blinders novelty shirt

6. Harry Potter polyjuice potion table lamp

7. Inside Black Mirror: Behind-the-scenes secrets

8. Hogwarts wristwatch

9. Viserion White Walker goblet

10. Avengers: Endgame Thanos gauntlet-shaped mug

11. Only Fools and Horses: The Peckham Archives by Rod Green.

An inside look at the iconic British sitcom.

12. I am SHERLOCKED: Cooking apron

13. The Walking Dead: Monopoly survival edition board game

14. 'Ah It's Yourself' Father Ted t-shirt

15. Star Wars 'Welcome to the Dark Side' doormat

16. Lord of the Rings Middle Earth map poster

17. Stranger Things notebook

18. Rick and Morty novelty Rick bathrobe

19. Dr Who varsity jacket

20. Marvel Thor: Ragnarok hammer key-ring

Happy Father's Day to all the film and TV show fanatics, we hope they enjoy all these gorgeous gifts and have a special fanboy day.

Feature image: Etsy

THIS Father Ted legend has joined the hilarious cast of Derry Girls

Feb 14, 2019

by Amber Saunders

Former Father Ted star and all-round comedic legend Ardal O'Hanlon is set to join Derry Girls season two.

As a key character in one of Ireland's most hilarious TV shows, Father Dougal McGuire, we're over the moon to see him join the latest brilliant Irish comedy series.

Derry Girls was first released on Channel 4 back in January of 2018 and quickly became one of the most watched show in Northern Ireland's history.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eamonn Rafferty (@eamonnirishcinephile) on Feb 12, 2019 at 8:57pm PST

The show, which is based in Northern Ireland and follows a group of school friends who get up to mischief during The Troubles, with hilarious results.

It snagged Best Comedy at the IFTA Gala Television Awards and Lisa McGee took home the gong for Best Writer for Comedy/Soap after creating the absolute gem.

Soon after the show ended, it was publicised that a second series of the show had been commissioned, and today the news broke that Ardal O'Hanlon will be joining the cast.

A release from Channel 4 claims that the Monaghan native will play the role of; “Eamonn, the awkward, middle-aged mummy’s boy of the Quinn/McCool extended family”.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson, who plays Erin Quinn spoke about the actor in an interview with RadioTimes; “Ardal O’Hanlon joins our family this year, which is brilliant.”

Nicola Coughlan, who plays Claire, says that the character of Eamonn is “a real Irish stereotype” – but he’s “not a priest”. “I think it’s something that everybody will recognise, and he completely gets it so on the money,” she added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dylan John Llewellyn (@djllewellyn) on Feb 12, 2019 at 9:05am PST

“It was really surreal, just looking at him, because he’s such an iconic figure in Ireland, and he’s such a lovely man. He’s so good in it," Coughlan continued.

“There’s a scene where it gets quite physical, and Lisa McGee came over. She was like, "Don’t bully Ardal". And we were like, "We’re not bullying him, he’s like a national treasure!" ‘Cause we had to like go for it in the scene.”

Thank the Derry Gods, the show returns to our screens next month, and we finally got a sneak peak when Channel 4 released the trailer for season two a few days ago. It's gonna be pure gas, we cannot WAIT.

Feature image: SoSueMe.ie

Stop everything! There’s a Father Ted MUSICAL in the works

Jun 3, 2018

by Amber Saunders

It's been 22 years since the cult series aired its final episode, but now Father Ted is back and better than ever!

The show's creator, Graham Linehan, announced yesterday that he is working on a Father Ted musical with the help of the series' co-writer Arthur Mathews and musician Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.

He also revealed that the stage show, called Pope Ted – The Father Ted Musical, would follow Ted as he leaves Craggy Island to take up his new role as Pope.

‘Pope Ted—The Father Ted Musical’ written by Arthur Mathews and myself, music by Neil Hannon, is almost written. I just thought you’d like to know. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

— Graham YES Linehan (@Glinner) June 2, 2018

He told the BBC yesterday: "It's like putting on an old pair of slippers. I didn't want to do anything like this until the right idea came along, and when Trump won and Corbyn won, I kind of thought: 'Maybe Ted has a chance.'"

"Obviously we're pulling some shenanigans to get him into that position but I think the shenanigans are entertaining enough that people won't mind."

Linehan kept tight lipped about who would take on the legendary leading role, and refused to confirm whether any old stars would be making an appearance.

However, he did say that the production would definitely be coming to Dublin.

It is not yet known where the musical will debut, but it is expected to be stage-ready sometime next year.

Ah, go on! There’s a Father Ted Quiz happening in Dublin this month

Mar 8, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

It's back! Like all good things that come in threes, the annual Holy Thursday Father Ted Quiz and Lovely Girls Competition, in association with Apache Pizza, is back for it's third year!

So go on, go on, go on…grab your friends, your colleagues, your boyfriend, your granny and your cat, and pop along to DTwo on Thursday March 29th.

The night will be hosted by the one and only Patrick McDonnell, aka Eoin McLove, who will be sure to make a holy show of you if you’re not down with this sort of thing.

The quiz will feature themed rounds based on trivia from the show as well as a brief interlude for our fabulous equal opportunities Lovely Girls Competition.

A competition we have every intention of entering, and winning tbh.

There will be prizes galore for the best dressed priest, nun or hairy baby. It'll be mad Ted.

To get your gorgeous tickets for this event, which is run by the wonderful humans at Green Shoes events, click here.

This acapella rendition of My Lovely Horse is here to brighten your day

Uniquely Irish

Jun 30, 2017

by Amber Saunders

OK, we're not claiming to be mind readers, but we're going to take a wild guess here and assume you know all the words to the Father Ted classic, My Lovely Horse?

Yeah, that's what we thought.

It's become somewhat of an unlikely anthem for Irish people around the world and we're secretly hoping that one day we'll throw caution to the wind and actually enter it in the Eurovison.

And you know what? With these boy singing, we might just be in with a chance.

The Ramparts, a male acapella group from Dublin, took to St. Stephen's Green this week to perform there own rendition of the beloved song.

My lovely horse #fatherted #ramparty #stephensgreen #mylovelyhorse #acappella #graftonstreet #blueskies #busking #barbershop #cheekychap #choir #pitchbattle #thejoeshow #bbcone #divinecomedy #ep17 #electricpicnic

A post shared by The Ramparts Male Voice Choir (@ramparts_dublin) on Jun 28, 2017 at 4:03pm PDT

Set up by Ruaidhrí O’Dálaigh, the male voice choir sing everything from trad to pop – and of course, barbershop.

The group also just so happen to be the only Irish act set to compete in BBC One's new show, Pitch Battle.

What an amazing first episode of #pitchbattle – can't wait for the next episode already. Here we are on stage with our PB besties! #pitchbattle #theramparts #ramparty #barbershop #acappella #bbcone

A post shared by The Ramparts Male Voice Choir (@ramparts_dublin) on Jun 18, 2017 at 9:01am PDT

The first episode airs Saturday, July 15.

We know who we'll be rooting for anyway.

Trad band nail Father Ted theme tune… right in front of his house

Uniquely Irish

Jun 29, 2017

by Amber Saunders

At this stage, we all know someone whose prized possession is the photo they took of themselves in front of Craggy Island's Parochial House, right?

And while they may be super proud of their windswept snap, it looks like they've been officially usurped if a recent upload by Scottish trad band, Ímar, is anything to go by.

The five-piece, which is comprised of members from Ireland, England, Scotland and the Isle of Man, took it upon themselves to go the extra mile when they rocked up to Father Ted's house in Co Clare.

Whipping out their instruments, the five lads gave a stellar rendition of the hit show's theme tune, and Facebook is. unsurprisingly, all over it.

With 72,000 Facebook views and counting, these lads have made our week.

Mrs Doyle herself is throwing a tea party today (so, get there FAST)

Jun 25, 2017

by Amber Saunders

Well, this is turning out to be an action-packed weekend.

With Body & Soul, Sea Sessions and Dublin Pride all underway, there's no better time to sit back and relax before having to go back to work tomorrow.

And if you have a love for Father Ted and tea, then get yourself down to Stoneybatter today!

Mrs Doyle's Tea Party — The Batter Bake Off is taking place at the Stoneybatter Festival today, where the Father Ted star herself, Pauline McLynn, will be hosting alongside Great Irish Bake Off presenter Anna Nolan.

And what's the objective of this bake-off? To see who has the best biscuits in the 'Batter, of course.

The competition is split into three categories; best cake, best biscuit and best plate of sandwiches, and you will have to register here (but be quick before time runs out!).

The event will take place between 4-5pm on the Festival Stage on Manor Street, Stoneybatter.

Our next Eurovision entry: These lads singing My Lovely Horse

Uniquely Irish

Jun 10, 2017

by Amber Saunders

We have to admit that our most recent Eurovision bids have not gone down well.

And it looks like these Dublin lads want to up the game a bit by singing a song that everyone knows and loves.

Indie-pop band, Fallen Lights, headed out to Father Ted's house in Ennis, Co. Clare to sing a brilliant rendition of My Lovely Horse.

And, we have to say, they really pulled it off. So much so, that we reeeally want them to be our next Eurovision entry.

Fallen Lights are currently doing a tour around Ireland. Tonight they are playing in Offaly, with their gigs ending in Dublin at the end of this month.

This Dublin pub is having a Father Ted themed St Stephen’s Day

Dec 10, 2016

by Amber Saunders

St Stephen's Day is probably the best day during the festive season.

We know that Christmas Day is great for food and presents and family, but Stevie's Day is when the pubs re-open and you go out to have the craic with your mates.

Well, the Bernard Shaw pub is welcoming back its Stephen's Day Father Ted tradition, and we can't wait.

The South Richmond Street pub has been putting on the event for a good few years now, but they're promising this one to be bigger and better than ever.

On the day, there will be a quiz, a costume competition and a deadly DJ.

Doors open at 6pm, with the quiz kicking off at 7pm. See you there?

Coppers is going INTERNATIONAL, and your crew is heading along too

Nov 8, 2016

by Amber Saunders

Growing up in Ireland means you quote Father Ted at the drop of a hat, spit the lyrics to Maniac 2000 with little to no prompting and possess an intimate knowledge of every nook and cranny in Coppers, right?

If that describes you and the crew, then you may need to brace yourself for this one because everyone’s favourite Dublin haunt is about to go international, and they need you (your rap skills and your Craggy Island trivia) to go with them.

For the third successive year on tour, Copper Face Jacks is descending upon the skiing resort of Arinsal in Andorra, the man responsible for Maniac 2000 is heading with them, and the inaugural Father Ted Ski Fest is kicking off.

We know, we’re already making our lovely lady costumes in anticipation.

If you want in on a week-long event which involves live bands, mountain parties, a lip sync battle, and sledding, you need to clear your diary between March 5 and 12, and book your spot here from tomorrow morning at 9am.

For €899 pps, you will get return flights from Dublin to Toulouse, return transfers and 7 nights accommodation in a choice of 5 hotels.

And it doesn’t stop there, ladies.

The price also includes ski lessons, equipment hire, a lift pass, a limited edition ‘money can’t buy’ Copper’s Irish Rugby Jersey and your all-important Copper Face Jacks wristband which will guarantee you access to all of the amazing Coppers events throughout the week!

Excuse us while we count down the days to March 5.

father ted