One of Ireland’s most recognizable comedy faces, Ardal O’Hanlon talks to Jon Hozier-Byrne for the University Observer about life after Dougal, national identity, and how he saved Irish stand up
It’s very early for Ardal O’Hanlon, his voice harsh, almost caustic; “It’s very early for me, on a Saturday.” Having stirred him from his well-earned sleep to talk to us, we begin with the easy questions; as the founder of the International Comedy Cellar, what does he feel is his legacy to Irish comedy? O’Hanlon seems surprised, but immediately shakes the dust off his voice, and responds with profound excitement; “Myself and three other fellas – Barry Murphy, Kevin Gildea, Dermot Carmody – we were a sketch troupe at the time called Mr. Trellis. Yeah, we just stumbled upon that room really, we used to go and see bands in there and we just though that was a suitable sized room to try and kick-start some kind of comedy scene.” Continue reading
