Thy Kingdom Come

“Kerry is not just all about football”, the people behind the event insist, “we host a kick-ass comedy festival too!” And rightly so. Over three nights this fortnight, the Kerry Comedy Festival will see a host of acts head to the home of the recently dethroned Munster champions to flaunt their comedic wares.

The shindig kicks of June 29 in The Laurels, Killarney, with a Father Ted night. Joe Rooney, Patrick McDonnell and Paul Tylak will headline, while political satirist Paddy Cullivan and Irish Musical Comedy Awards 2012 winner Ursula Burns lend support. Day two (June 30) will be held in the Carlton Hotel Tralee, and features performances by The Savage Eye’s John Colleary, Fred Cooke (Republic of Telly, The Savage Eye), Jarlath Regan, Carol Tobin and Shayrn Hayden. Finally, the festival finishes with a bang on July 1; with Limerick man Pat Shortt heading to the Hillgrove Hotel, Dingle, ably supported by Colum McDonnell.
Also taking in Kerry this fortnight is Irish-American comedian Des Bishop. Armed with only a drum kit and the filthiest of mouths, our favourite adopted son brings his ‘it-does-what-it-says-on-the-tin’ show, Des Bishop Likes To Bang around the country for several stop-offs. Expect sex jokes, more sex jokes and – frankly, some damn impressive hip hop from the Queens man, as he serves up another dose of hilarious observational wit. See him at the Maritime Hotel (June 29), INEC, Killarney (July 7 - 12) and DOck Arts Centre, Leitrim (13, 14).
Up north, Draperstown’s ‘Small but Massive’ Glasgowbury festival will play host to the ‘G Spot Comedy Stage’, headlined by Kiwi funnyman Danny Dowling and featuring a whole host of up-and-coming Irish talent. Set to perform over the course of the day (July 21) are Niamh Marron, Colin Geddis, Micky Bartlett, Magic George, Ronan Linskey, Ryan Hand and Philip McEwan. “Glasgowbury aims to be the sort of event which showcases new talent across a range of arts”, says fest organiser Paddy Glasgow, “and the comedy scene in Ireland is a really exciting one at the moment, so we’re delighted to be able to include a stage full of it”.
Taking place from July 5 – 8 in Trim, the Swift Satire Festival celebrates the eponymous author’s links with the Meath town. Saturday July 7 has been dubbed ‘Satire Day’ and features a day-long event at Trim Castle, curated by the aforementioned Paddy Cullivan. Among those participating in the programme of interviews and discussions are Dara O Briain, the Republic Of Telly crew and Not The Nine O’Clock News and Spitting Image director Sean Hardie, who will be interviewed by Gerry Stembridge.
Also appearing will be Hoot Press’ Paul Nolan, who will be participating in a panel discussion on the state of contemporary satire, chaired by none other than George Hook. In keeping with the spirit of the day, Paul has promised to subsequently satirise the discussion. Live performers in the evening ‘Satire Day Night Live’ line-up will include Barry Murphy from Après Match, David McSavage, The Nualas, Joe Rooney and Ding Dong Denny O’Reilly. For more info see swiftsatirefestival.com