Thanks to his family and the manager at Peacocks Bar and Restaurant in Swords, the young comedy fan was able to meet one of his heroes
Ardal O’Hanlon meets Scott Deighan. (Image: supplied)
Comedy fan Scott Deighan recently met one of his heroes, with some help from his family and local community.
The 12-year-old from Santry is one of the country’s biggest Father Ted fans after his mam Susan introduced him to the show. Having watched the show many times and committing the funniest quips to memory, his uncle Chris O’Shaughnessy knew he wanted to do something brilliant for his nephew by helping him meet cast member Ardal O’Hanlon.
When Chris spotted an advertisement for Ardal O’Hanlon’s comedy night at the Peacocks Bar and Restaurant in Rivervalley, Swords, he took action and contacted the bar’s manager Barry Shelly, who was happy to lend a hand. He contacted Ardal’s management, letting them know there was a young fan who would love to meet them.
Thanks to Barry’s connection, Ardal agreed, and a time was set up for Scott and his family to meet the comedy legend before the show.
Scott’s uncle Chris told Dublin Live that the young man was delighted at the news, and began rehearsing his favourite lines from Father Ted, ready for his meeting with Father Dougal McGuire. On Thursday March 5, the family headed down to Peacocks for the evening for the unforgettable moment.
Chris said: “It was a moment none of us will ever forget. Scott was initially a bit nervous in meeting Ardal but Ardal soon dispensed with any nerves that Scott had and was just absolutely amazing with him, taking the time to give him his autograph and chat away with him, and even exchanging lines from the show. You could just see how much it meant to Scott who just couldn’t remove the smile from his face. Scott told his mother that his dream had come true.”
“Scott’s mam and dad are so grateful to Ardal for taking the time out of his busy schedule to spend some time with a young super fan. He was so quick to say yes to the meet-and-greet, particularly when he heard how big a fan Scott was, he has truly made a young boys year, and it’s a day he will never forget.”
“Ardal is such a down-to-earth, funny and genuinely lovely person. With so much bad news in the world at the moment, it’s so heartwarming to see someone give their time so generously and ask for nothing in return.”
Alan Deighan Luke Deighan, Ardal, Scott Deighan and Susan Deighan (Image: supplied)
Scott’s uncle Chris told Dublin Live that the 12-year-old began watching Father Ted after his mam Susan recommended the show to him: “What started as a casual recommendation quickly turned into a full-blown obsession, the good kind.”
“He’s even started quoting Father Ted lines to his teachers in his school. Recently, at the end of a school Mass, he couldn’t resist turning to his teacher and stating (with perfect timing mind), “that sermon today, frankly it bored the arse off me.” Thankfully, it was taken in the good spirit it was intended. It also helps that the teachings staff’s generation are very familiar with Father Ted!”
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