Father Ted enthusiasts were left chuckling and buzzing with excitement as three of the beloved sitcom's cast members gathered for an epic reunion, nearly three decades since they graced our screens.
ComicCon in Belfast became the stage for the nostalgic gathering as Patrick McDonnell, Paddy Ward and Ben Keaton, who all featured prominently in the comedic masterpiece that aired from 1995 to 1998 on Channel 4, struck a cheerful pose in a photograph.
The endearing series followed the misadventures of three mishap-prone priests relegated to Craggy Island, a whimsically portrayed island off Ireland's west coast, as penance for their past deeds.
Creating quite a stir, the trio - 26 years subsequent to the airing of "Father Ted's" final episode - captured the hearts of fans yet again at the Lisburn venue where Comic Con was being hosted. Patrick McDonnell, known for his iconic role as the quirky Eoin McLove, also took to Instagram to share a video alongside his erstwhile co-stars, quipping: "I'm at the Icon Centre in Lisburn for Comic Con and I smell wee."
Paddy Ward, recognisable for his portrayal of Bishop Jordan, chimed in with a cheerful "I'm fine thanks! ". Meanwhile, Ben Keaton, who brought to life the eccentric Austin Purcell, teased: "We're missing [someone]. Who's the short fella we're missing today on Saturday? " and went on to joke: "I'll baptise your babies. Bring them! ".
Ramping up the sentimentality, Patrick added, "We're here all day today and Father Damien (Joe Rooney) is joining us tomorrow. See you then! ", before evoking laughter by nostalgically re-enacting his characters memorable line: "I could have you killed.", reports the Mirror.
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Father Ted enthusiasts were delighted to see their favourite characters reunited, with an individual calling the group "iconic" and another chiming in: "This is brilliant."
One avid follower exclaimed: "We need the play! " whilst someone else expressed nostalgia: "Missed this badly! ! Would've been great to meet you lads."
One more chimed in with a humorous anecdote: "U got on my bus a while back and I had to fight the urge to tell u I could have u killed."
The beloved sitcom Father Ted boasts an impressive 93 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and holds a special place as one of television's most cherished shows.
In a joyful update from June last year, Joe Rooney, recognized for his portrayal of Father Damo in the series, took to Instagram to announce his engagement to girlfriend Nerea, stating, "We are engaged! " He shared his elation with fans, saying, "I'm so happy to have met Nerea. She is kind, smart and beautiful and without doubt my soulmate. I'm looking forward to sharing my life with her," showing immense gratitude to his partner.
Fast forward to May 14, 2024, Joe Rooney thrilled his followers by posting a snapshot from their wedding day, highlighting the love he has for his new bride: "I got married today to the beautiful, wonderful @nerea.inked It's been an incredible journey, meeting, falling love with and marrying the love of my life. She is such a genuinely kind soul. I'm so grateful she took a chance on me. I'm proud to call her my wife. #married."
