Killinaskully

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Killinaskully

Jimmy, Dan and Timmy
Format Comedy
Created by Pat Shortt
Starring Pat Shortt
Louis Lovett
Páraic Breathnach
Joe Rooney
Pascal Scott
Jack Walsh
John Keogh
Aoife Maloney
Country of origin Ireland
No. of episodes 28, as of December 25, 2007
Production
Running time 25 minutes per episode
Broadcast
Original channel Radio Telefís Éireann
Original run December 30, 2003 – present
External links
IMDb profile

Killinaskully (Irish: Ceann Scoilte, meaning Split Head) is an Irish television comedy which details the bizarre goings-on in a fictitious Irish village called Killinaskully located in the hills of County Tipperary. It is actually filmed on location in the villages of Killoscully and Ballinahinch in County Tipperary. The show's humour comes from the unusual characterisations of traditional, stereotypical rural Irish folk. The show is chiefly written by and chiefly performed by the comedian, Pat Shortt.

Killinaskully was produced by Shortt's own company and was broadcast by RTÉ on Sunday nights in 2004. A second series of the show began on September 25, 2005. The show is also filmed in the villages of Killoscully and Ballinahinch (County Tipperary), the title being a fusion of these two placenames. All three series are available on DVD and VHS

Series 4 started on September 30, 2007

Contents

[edit] Cast

Role Image Actor
Dan Clancy Pat Shortt
Willie Power Pat Shortt
Goretti Pat Shortt
Jimmy Bourke Jack Walsh
Timmy Higgins Joe Rooney
Jacksie Walsh Páraic Breathnach
Sgt. Dick O'Toole Pascal Scott
Dieter Langer Louis Lovett

[edit] Pat Shortt's Characters

[edit] Willie Power

Willie Power is the local politician, wheeler and dealer, fixer and chairman of every committee imaginable in the tiny village. A master stroke-puller, he is capable of turning any situation to his advantage and is easily excitable when someone tries to oppose him, particularly his arch-rival Larry Cummins.

[edit] Dan Clancy

Dan Clancy is an almost permanent fixture in Jacksie's Bar, the local public house. Clancy is the local authority on all things, knowing everything about everything (though most of it is inaccurate). He boasted in the 2005 Christmas Special Episode that he had been to Jacksie's Bar "every day for the last 30 years". He is rarely shown on-screen without his trademark pint of Guinness resting in front of him. He is also involved in a regular toilet gag where he says he must 'go and sthrain the spuds'. One question that comes up is "How does Dan pay for all his Guinness?".

[edit] Goretti

Goretti is the sexually voracious proprietress of the Mount Bernadette Bed and Breakfast. A mistress of the double entendre, she has lived alone since the mysterious disappearance of her husband, the magician Mossie The Magnificent. In her spare time she is the leader of the local power walking group.

[edit] Louis Cantwell

Mr. Cantwell is a teacher in the local school and holds a not-so-secret affection towards Miss Fahy.

[edit] Pa Connors

A Traveller with a keen eye for business. Based on Pat Shortts character of Pa Connors from his DVD "Live and A Bit Dangerous". Has a brother, also called Pa Connors. He was named after his grandfather while the other Pa was named after his father.

[edit] Other characters

[edit] Sgt. Dick O'Toole

Played by Pascal Scott, O'Toole is the local member of the Garda Síochána. He presides over a garda station, which is part betting office and part hardware store and will never meet a member of the public without trying to sell them something. A good friend and co-conspirator of Willie Power.

[edit] Jacksie Walsh

Jacksie Walsh, played by Páraic Breathnach, is the very grumpy proprietor of An Bonnán Buí (Irish for "The Curlew") and spends his days indulging Dan Clancy, Timmy Higgins and Jimmy Bourke, without whom he would long since be redundant. Strictly a 7Up and smoothie man he has little time for people who order what he would consider old-fashioned drinks.

[edit] Jimmy Bourke

Bourke, played by Jack Walsh, is a mechanic by trade and is Dan Clancy's side kick. He spends most of his day in the local pub where he delights in hearing Dan’s stories.

[edit] Timmy Higgins

Timmy Higgins, played by Joe Rooney, is another one of Dan Clancy's side kicks who spends most of his time in the pub. He is more often than not the butt of Dan and Jimmy's gibes and is frequently refereed to by his two drinking buddies as a liúdar‚ through a succession of daft questions and observations.

[edit] Miss Catherine Fahy

Local Primary school teacher. The object of Louis Cantwell's affections but she is married to Dieter.

[edit] Dieter Langer

Dieter Langer, played by Louis Lovett, is a German film maker turned cheese vendor, ( whose cheese has caused some very strange dreams) who originally came to Killinaskully to make a TV documentary but the tragic squashing of his equipment, coupled with his growing love for Miss Fahy, the local teacher, have meant that he is in the village for the long haul. Still trying to come to terms with the strange ways of the locals, Dieter's desire to fit in is somewhat hampered by his innate belief in the importance of being earnest.

[edit] Fr. Philip Eno

Played by John Keogh, Fr. Philip is an amiable type who just wants people to get along. His name sounds "Filipino", which caused confusion prior to his arrival.

[edit] Larry Cummins

Larry, played by Gerry Walsh, is a local politician with a consistent record: 1 vote at every council election. He is always seeking to put one over on Willie Power.

[edit] The Widow Gilhooley

Played by Maria McDermottroe, Mrs. Gilhooley is a stern woman who is "not, I repeat not in the habit of repeating" herself.

[edit] Theo Whitmore

Played by Jim Queally, is well-educated with an air of sophistication and fan of literature who regularly quotes poetry and who likes to assist in the artistic and literary aspects of the community, such as directing the nativity play at Christmas.Once was the barman in Jacksies while Jacksie was at a funeral.

[edit] Bridie Clancy

Played by Mary Harvey, she is Dan's sister.

[edit] Clancy

A boy who has a habit of ruining important moments, such as spoiling the nativity play by saying that there was in fact room at the inn. He shares Dan's surname although it is not clear if he is related to him or not.

[edit] Episodes

[edit] Series One (2003-2004)

Episode 1: The German Fillum/Slow Through Killinaskully

An air of excitement descends on Killinaskully with the arrival of a German film crew intent on making a documentary about rural Irish life. there is an unusual twist as the film crews patience reaches the end of its teather.

Episode 2: The Date

Romance is in the air as German filmmaker Dieter Langer and headmaster Mr. Cantwell clash, as they both vie for the affections of the teacher Miss Fahy.

Episode 3: The New Priest

There is a new resident in Killinaskully, the new parish priest. However, the residents faith is put to the test when the new cleric turns out to be a little more exotic than they're used to.

Episode 4: The Sign

There is sad news in the village as everyone believes that Timmy Higgins' demise is imminent. A trip to his beloved "Spudworld" is hastily planned but, as Timmy heads for the airport, the terrible truth emerges.

Episode 5: The Pitch

Killinaskully Gaelic Athletic Association club have been using "the pitch" for as long as anyone can remember, so, when the widow Gilhooley puts it up for auction they are confident it will be theirs. That is until a flamboyant American swaggers into town. The episode is a parody of the film The Field, based on the play written by John B. Keane.

Episode 6: The Funeral

Killinaskully is in festive mood as it prepares for the funeral of one of its most famous sons, showjumper Jumpin' Jerry Houlihan. Preparations for an extravagant burial are thrown into disarray with news that Jumpin' Jerry has already been cremated. Things get a little embarrassing when the great man's ashes disappear and it's left to Jimmy Magee to restore the village pride.

Christmas Special I: The Nativity

Dan, Jimmy and Timmy endeavour to do their Christmas shopping in a rival town. Meanwhile a couple (including an expectant mother) arrive in Killinaskully and seek a place to stay...

[edit] Series Two (2005)

Episode 1: The Election

Killinaskully is gripped with election fever as the local elections take place. Councillor Willie Power is expected to hold his seat, however, he is challenged by Dieter Langer of the Green Party. Meanwhile chaos ensues in Jacksie's when his niece takes pink Snacks off the menu.

Episode 2: The Dogs

The whole town stands to make a fortune when Jimmy nobbles Willie's greyhound and drives his price up for a big race. Only divine intervention can put the dog off his stride. Meanwhile, Dieter attempts to pop the question to Miss Fahy.

Episode 3: The Visit

A visit from a dim-witted U.S. president claiming local roots fills the Killinaskullians with excitement. But when the town is taken over by Secret Service agents, only Dan, Killinaskully's own spin master, can put the president in his place.

Episode 4: The Night Out

While nurse Moloney tries to whip Timmy into shape, the wedding of the year is put on hold after Dieter is found in a compromising position in the ladies' toilet. Despite the best efforts of Cantwell to take advantage of the situation and Miss Fahy, a romantic gesture of Hollywood proportions saves the day.

Episode 5: The Ad

Dan gets more than he bargained for when he places an ad in the lonely hearts page of the Gazette, while Jacksie and Fr. Philip go head to head over the contraption in the Gents.

Episode 6: The Play

Killinaskully is poised to take on arch enemy, Bally, in the second Annual One-Act Drama Festival. It's been fifty years since the first one so all eyes are on Dan as he thatches the set of The Priest And The Pot ‘o Soup but, it being Halloween, there might be a scary outcome.

Christmas Special II: A Killinaskully Christmas Carol

Dan is visited by three ghosts on Christmas night who help him discover the true meaning of the season.

Behind The Scenes At Killinaskully

A making-of feature on the second season, broadcast in December.

[edit] Series Three (2006)

Episode 1: The Radio Station

Killinaskully finds its voice when KCR radio takes to the air. Dan's Roger Whitaker albums are a big hit and Goretti tries to spread some romance with her phone-in show. But will the station coax people away from Jacksie's as Fr. Philip intended? Probably not.

Episode 2: The Sports Day It's a bad day for fr. Phillip when he discovered his that bally's new Parish priest is his old nemesis, fr. Bob 'speedy' Gilmartin. With the sports day coming up, all eyes are on the all priests 10k road race and the u-12 'friendly hurling match' between killinaskully & the bally boys.

Episode 3: The School Year

When Miss Fahey disappears there is chaos at the school. Willy struggles to get a new principal before the school inspector arrives.

Episode 4: The Driving Test

When Dan refuses to retract the sexist remarks that he makes about women drivers, all the women in the village go on strike.

Episode 5 - The Cheese Dreams

It's Hallowe'en and Dieter decides to try out some new cheese on the unsuspecting Killinaskullians. With Merry Men, Zombies and a visit to the ER, Dieter's gastronomic episode turns into a bit of a nightmare ... or two ... or three.

Episode 6 - The Lifeboat

When a leak is sprung in the roof of the community hall, Willy Power decides to use the EEC lifeboat money to fix it. Chaos can only ensue when an inspector visits wishing to see the lifeboat... elsewhere Goretti discovers the delights of trampolining.

Christmas Special III: The Christmas Concert

Dan, Jimmy and Timmy discuss the existence of Santa in Jacksie's. Larry Cummins tries to persuade Fr. Philip to hold a nativity play while in the confession box. Fr. Philip suggests a Christmas concert instead. Goretti is asked to participate but is upset at the refusal of her magic act; cutting herself in half. Dieter goes Christmas shopping, leaving Timmy in charge of his cheese stall in the village. Sergeant Dick attempts to sell a lightsabre to Pa Connors. Willie Power asks Dick to dress as Santa for the village grotto but has to stand in himself at the last minute as Dick is called into duty.

Later the stage is set for a special performance by Goretti and the Gorettis as the finale of the Christmas Gala Evening.

[edit] Series Four (2007)

Episode 1: The Horse Whisperer

Pa Connors has yet another get rich quick scheme while Jacksie bans speaking English in the pub. Pa soon finds that the course of true love does not run smoothly. Especially where horses are involved.

Episode 2: The Stoats

With a by-pass threatening the future of the village and rumours circulating about the arrival of the Olympics, it would take all of Willie Power’s cunning to save the day. Unfortunately, Willie is too busy trying to become a stoat.

Episode 3: The Crime Spree

The Killinaskullians find themselves caught up in a gang war between rival Foot Clan factions as a result of Leonardo killing the Shredder. Arriving in Killinaskully, Karai enlists the aid of the locals to stop it, promising to end the Foot's vendetta against them in exchange for their assistance.

Episode 4: The Visitor

A mysterious man appears.

Episode 5: Treasure Map

Dan finds himself drawn into battle when his treasure hunt sends him back to the ancient past.

Episode 6: The Wedding

Dieter and Marie get married.

Christmas Special IV: The Last Round

The people rejoice that the pub has closed for good, citing drink-driving as the main reason.

[edit] Reception

Most receptions are postive. The show pulls in an average viewership of 500,000 for each episode and rising as high as 800,000 for Christmas specials.[1] On 25 December 2005, 825,000 viewers tuned in to watch A Killinaskully Christmas Carol[1]. Christmas Day 2007 attracted viewing figures of 770,000 for Christmas Special IV: The Last Round.[2]

[edit] Criticism

John Boland of the Irish Independent has asserted that the characters lack depth: "I've never been much of a fan of Pat Shortt's broad brand of comedy, with its gallery of cartoon-culchie villagers wearing silly wigs and speaking in exaggerated mock accents."[2]

[edit] Trivia

  • In Series Three: Episode 6 "The Lifeboat", it is revealed that Killinaskully is 117 km (73 miles) from the sea while neighbouring Bally is 134 km (83 miles) from the coast.
  • In Christmas Special III: "The Christmas Concert", it is revealed that Timmy is 48 years of age. This occurs when Dan asks him his age after Timmy tries to convince him that Santa is real.

[edit] References

[edit] External links