My 2025: Ardal O'Hanlon - "The best musical experience overall was probably Rhiannon Giddens live at the National Concert Hall"

Hero of 2025?
I admire Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on occupied Palestinian territories. Apart from being incredibly articulate and authoritative, she is utterly unflappable and even humorous in the face of sustained hostility.

Villain of 2025?
There were so many to choose from, but it has to be the obvious one, arch-villain himself, the enabler of all the other villains, Donald Trump. His lies and vulgarity have not just cheapened politics worldwide, but civility generally. And more than anyone, his whims and grievances could have a huge negative impact on Ireland.

Best personal moment?
Finishing a novel that I was happy with and delivering it on time.

Best Movie or TV show?
The Rehearsal series 2 with Nathan Fielder. It was ridiculously funny in places, sick in other places, sometimes exploitative, always informative. In terms of ambition and audacity, I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it.

Best record ?
I really liked DJ Kose’s Music Can Hear Us, but the best musical experience overall was probably Rhiannon Giddens live at the National Concert Hall.

Best book?
James by Perceval Everett. An angry book fuelled by comic energy.

Best thing you saw online?
The million times I watched Troy Parrott’s third goal against Hungary.

Your hope for next year?
Ireland to qualify for the World Cup. Warmongers being held to account. It’s the hope that kills you.

What tickled your funny bone?
Tim Key’s delightfully silly, yet poignant performance in The Ballad Of Wallis Island.

• Ardal O’Hanlon brings his new show Not Himself to Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Tickets available at ardalohanlon.com