| Reverse Psychology By Grainne
McLoughlin
Irish comedians often travel across the Irish Sea to find fame and
fortune. But second-generation comic Sean O’Shaughnessy has decided to do
it the opposite way around. He talks to Grainne McLoughlin about his new
alternative comedy club which is proving all the rage in Dublin.
Although born and bred in Manchester, the alternative comedian that is
Sean O’Shaughnessy was never in any doubt of his Irish roots.
Parents hailing from Galway and Laois, O’Shaughnessy first hit the comedy
scene in the early 1990s when he won a special commendation at the North
West Comedian of the Year competition.
From that he climbed the ranks playing in the Irish clubs in Britain
and eventually found himself supporting established acts such as Ardal O’Hanlon,
Tommy Tiernan and Ed Byrne.
Not content with that he went to Boston and New York and brought the
house down. He then successfully organised two comedy clubs in Manchester
and also wrote and performed a one-man play in the 1999 Manchester Irish
Festival.
But it was in the year 2000 that the funnyman realised his long-time
ambition to relocate to Dublin. He’s now a regular performer both sides
of the Irish Sea and has made numerous appearances on TV and radio discussing
the second-generation Irish experience.
The Irish Post previously said of him: “His brand of political comedy
is very well observed and extremely funny. Although he covers many of the
standard Irish topics — such as Northern Ireland, his Irish mammy and daddy
and the Catholic education system — he does it in a highly original manner,
coming at them from the unique perspective of being an Irish Mancunian.”
He’s since made a name for himself in Dublin with the Comedy Cavern.
He explains: “It developed because I’d noticed at other venues, Dublin
comedians tend to be quite cutting and cynical towards Irish Americans and
the Irish from Britain, so we focus on giving such people a warm reception.
“I am also very keen to give female acts and comedians from Ireland’s
new immigrant communities an opportunity to perform.
“And in the future I hope to be able to build the club up so that I could
afford to bring more comedians over from Britain and America.”
The Comedy Cavern runs on the first Thursday of each month in the downstairs
room of Thomas Reads/The Oak on the corner of Dame Street and Parliament
Street. For further information contact 00353 1 671 7283.
Comedian Sean O’Shaughnessy faces up to the rí-rá questionnaire —
revealing his favourite tipple, smell and the weirdest job he ever had.
What was the last album you bought?
It was Blackout by the Drop Kick Murphys.
What was the last film you watched?
Tara Road — but only because I teach Irish cinema and society. It was
terrible!
What TV programme would you not miss?
It has to be Football Focus — I love Mark Lawrenson’s views.
Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My mammy. Or else.
The key to making it as a comedian?
Having a good sense of humour, having a political eye and having balls
of steel.
What do you love most about Ireland?
There’s so many things to choose from. But I’d have to say the Slieve
Bloom Mountains — it’s just the nicest drive from Laois to Galway.
Who would you most like to work with in the future and why?
With more Irish-descent comedians — I wish more would come back to live
in Ireland.
Best personal experience to date?
Ah it has to be bringing the house down at the Kilkenny fringe festival
in 2003.
Best professional experience to date?
Supporting Ardal O’Hanlon at the Palace in Manchester.
If you weren’t pursuing this career what other profession would you
have chosen?
I’d have been a plastic bag collector — from the hedges of Ireland.
What's your greatest ambition?
To be more ambitious!
Favourite method of relaxation?
Snoozing in the afternoon while listening to music.
Humanity’s most useful invention?
The electric guitar. In fact add that to protest songs and bingo.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Freezing cold milk, with hot gluten free toast.
The most important lesson life has taught you?
Too many people in Ireland suffer from inferiority complexes. We should
all learn to have none.
What’s your greatest extravagance?
I spend too much time and cash going to soccer matches, including the
pre-match build-up and post-match analysis. There’s gallons of the stuff.
How would you like to be remembered?
As the comedian who shook up the establishment.
Most desirable date?
Kate Bush, if she promised not to sing. And I’d have to be able to bring
my mates along too so that they would actually believe me.
What is your favourite smell?
My favourite smell is turf burning — cringey but true.
And your favourite word/phrase?
My favourite phrase is: “Play the fool don’t be the fool.”
Weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Sticking designs on ladies tights in a tight factory in a room with no
windows — just VERY hot machinery.
First concert you ever went to?
An Irish concert at the Ukranian club in Manchester about 1970 — but
as for a rock ’n’ roll gig, I’m not sure. I think it was The Clash at Belle
Vue circa 1978.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
All the songs the Pogues ever made — it would be a long and emotional
day. I’d also have Public Image by Public Image Ltd.
Three songs you’d most like to have written?
If I Should Fall From Grace With God by the Pogues, Holidays In The Sun
by the Sex Pistols and Do Anything You Wanna Do by Eddy and the Hot Rods.
Best career move?
I don’t have one. I only make bad career moves — turning down sponsored
gigs telling parasitical promoters where to go, doing fundraising gigs for
free etc etc!
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