If there is an end to Risteard Cooper’s talent, he hasn’t reached it yet. Best known as the Bill O’Herlihy third of the Après Match trio, tonight the actor, comedian and impressionist is doing a spot-on impersonation of Pat Kenny, exaggerating that hapless presenter’s tendency toward patronising his audience, accidental sexism and down-right odd-ballery. I don’t know if Cooper plans to keep this schtik in the act, but if so I hope I’m nearby next time he bumps into the real Mr Kenny.

Cooper and the rest of the Aprés Match crew, Gary Cooke and Barry Murphy are at Dublin’s Sugar Club to launch the eighth Murphy’s Cat Laughs Festival. As the trio attempt to equate the theory of World Cup soccer with the significance of Ireland’s biggest comedy festival (and yes, they are screening the premier Irish game) I retire to the rear of the auditorium where director Richard Cook explains why this year’s event should be the best festival ever.

“We’ve got it all,” insists Richard, “a fabulous line-up of Irish, British, US, New Zealand and, uh, Iranian talent, the best weekend destination in the country, a committed sponsor with a quality product and this year we’ve extended some of the ‘off-circuit’ events. Kitty Flicks will be showing several Irish short films over the weekend including both Irish recent Oscar nominees Give Up Your Oul Sins and Fifty-Two Per Cent Gray. We’re also showing Fade To Gray, Guy’s Dog, the Irish short Les Dogs and the Channel 4 shorts Fuel and One Eyed Jaques. The Cat Scratchings Cartoon festival will showcase work by some of the world’s most renowned cartoonists including Speedbump’s Dave Coverly and Pulitzer prize winner Michael Ramirez. There’ll also be representations from a host of Ireland’s top cartoonists including Tom Mathews, and some work from guys like Dylan Moran who you wouldn’t immediately link with cartoons.

“In a new innovation this year,” continues an enthusiastic Richard, “we’re hosting an event we’ve called Book Soup which is a series of readings by six best-selling humourous writers such as Cheers producer Rob Long, Sunday Times’ journalist and author India Night and TV and radio presenter Pete McCarthy. It will be both entertaining and informative for those who feel they might have a book in ‘em.”

While developments in the festival are welcome, it’s arguably the stand-ups that get the majority of bums on seats. Has Richard any favourites among this year’s attendees?

“Well they’re all favourites which is why they’re here,” he insists. “I’m personally delighted that the Irish Impro Crew are coming down this year since they’re easily a match for the Americans we’ve had over before. In terms of visiting acts I’m pleased Emo Phillips is with us again, Kitty Flanagan from New Zealand is well worth seeing, Bill Bailey’s back as is Peter Kay and Phil ‘No Relation’ Kay. We’ve more than 30 top Irish and international acts and they’re all good, that’s why it’s a great festival.”