Brendan Grace

I know I'm not supposed to use cliches but I'm going to use one. Larger than life. That's Brendan Grace. A supreme funny man.

He's been 'at it' for 37 years and still hasn't dropped dead. It must be the sunny climes of the USA, where he lives with his wife Eileen, that nourishes his soul. Even so, he still refers to Ireland as his first love.

He's doing three shows in Kerry soon. The greatest family comedian of our generation will be playing in Dingle Skellig Hotel on Wed. August 15th, Ring of Kerry Hotel Cahirciveen on Friday August 17th and Tintean Theatre Ballybunion on Sunday August 26th.

So what's the routine in 2007? Is Bottler still his lovable neck jerking old self?

Apparently so. But, according to Mr Grace, Bottler has evolved and moved with the times. And, Brendan stresses, "the show is definitely very suitable for the entire family and promises to be a full night's entertainment."

Brendan's latest show features the best and most popular pieces from his vast repertoire over the last 37 years. His sense of timing and his unerring ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his 'Bottler' is legendary.

Apart from his obvious 'star quality' in all aspects of his performance Brendan's drawing power is enormous and the 'House Full' sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts.

Brendan Grace graced our TV screens in the brilliant cult comedy Father Ted, filmed in Co Clare and also in the UK. The show had guest appearences from many more of Ireland's best comedians including Tommy Tiernan, Jason Byrne, Kevin Gildea, Patrick McDonnell, Joe Rooney, Pat Shortt, Jon Kenny etc.

I asked Mr Grace about his priestly character.

"Yes, his name is Father Fintan Stack. I would describe him as a rather enigmatic individual but still charming."

Mr Grace portrayed the character of Fr Fintan Stack, a mysterious priest with a slightly sinister smile. Mr Grace himself says the role he played was a sarcastic one and that it caught the imagination of anyone who saw that episode.

Father Ted has been aired in many countries apart from the old sod - UK, France, Belgium, Australia, US, Canada, Italy. No doubt doing enormous damage to the reputation of our poor priests but providing us who still cling with affection to the church with an outlet for exorcising our own spiritual humors.

Brendan is the owner of Brendan Graces Bar in Killaloe. He told me a little about it.

"It is a fun place to visit & laughter is the language of choice. An old world atmosphere will surround you with a Cead Mile Failte as soon as you step inside. The walls are adorned with photos going back a century, and my own personal collection which document my travels over the years, dedicated to the many famous people I have met & admired in Showbiz."

"What's more, you can also see Bottler's Bedroom where many shows take place & where Bottler sleeps regardless of the live music most nights!! This room is also available for private parties. I like to say it's a place where you can lose the blues without losing the head."

Come along and see this genius of comedy in the flesh. Bring the kids. Tickets are available at all venues. For more information please contact: Dingle Skellig Hotel on 066 915 0200 or log onto http://www.dingleskellig.com/ ; Ring of Kerry Hotel Cahirciveen on 066 947 2543 or log onto http://www.ringofkerryhotel.ie/ ; Tintean Theatre Ballybunion on 068 28003 or log onto http://www.tintean.com/