It’s nice to see the legacy of Father Ted continuing long after what is arguably the finest sit-com ever faded from our screens. You may have already read about the potentially serious skirmish that could spark international controversy, as two islands battle to be recognised as the home of Father Ted, the fictional Craggy Island.
It all started when the Friends of Ted decided to hold its annual Tedfest ‘07 on the island of Inis Mor, off the coast of County Galway. The population of the smaller island, Inis Oirr, said a riotous Father Jack “Feck!” to that and maintained the three-day festival should be held on their shores, claiming more of a connection to the comedy.
Oh dear.
But help is now at hand with a healthy dollop of fun provided by Father Ted itself. Each island will put up its own Five-a-aside football team, inspired by the All-Priests Five-a-Side Over-75s Indoor Challenge Football Match as featured in an episode of the series. The victors will take the title of Craggy Island back to their home shores, with the losers relegated to the rival Rugged Island. Next year, they get to do it all over again…
All this of course is being done in the same spirit of fun as the series that inspired it. Check out the Friends of Ted website to see what else goes on during Tedfest ‘07. I’m particularly intrigued by “Buckeroo Speed Dating”…
It would be my hope that the Craggy Island Trophy retains the form & spirit of both the character of the television series & the essence of the Islands themselves. (with Oooo! Aaaah! & What the fe...! qualities)