Can you remember this sketch?

DublinWriter · 10-07-2023 4:00pm #1

For years, it's been driving me crazy trying to remember where I saw this comedy sketch.

It would have been in the late 80's/early 90's and maybe had Kevin McAleer and possibly Charles Lawson.

I think it could have possibly been RTE's Nighthawks, or a BBC NI Comedy programme (not Give my Head Peace).

Basically, it's a Belfast Catholic and a Protestant at a bar. They say that they've gone through a process of reconciliation and now understand each others culture.

The dialog goes something like:

Billy: "After reading about Republican history Paddy, I think I now know the the pain of your people.....you murderous taig"

Paddy: "Thanks Billy, and I too have come to a deeper understanding of Loyalist culture....you black land grabbing hun".

Basically the schtick is that although they are chatting amicably, the old hatred still remains.

Anyone remember where it's from?

Hangdogroad · 10-07-2023 11:29pm

Vaguely remember a Kevin MacAleer sketch like that, only it was just himself doing it. I remember the line "may you die roaring".

BowWow · 10-07-2023 11:44pm

Anything to do with this?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Give_My_Head_Peace

Duckworth_Luas · 11-07-2023 3:03am

I remember it, although it didn't use obvious pejoratives.

Instead each contributor told the history of the North from their own biased perspective, with each completely ignoring the others input with both remaining amicable throughout.

McAleer: Well before the plantation the north of Ireland was a Gaelic paradise. A land of milk and honey where people lived happy and carefree lives wanting for nothing.

Other guy: That's true Kevin, when God's own people first arrived Northern Ireland was, as you said, a backward, under populated wasteland that was quickly transformed from a bog into the Utopia we see today. All thanks to the protestant work ethic.

It wasn't from Nighthawks I believe. My memory is sketchy as it was probably over 30 years ago, but I'd guess it was taken from a stage show and shown on a NI TV news program.

It may even have been improvised during an interview for the stage show.

(Just googled Charles Lawson, it definitely wasn't him taking part)