The Rose Of Tralee takes off its shoes for its 2nd and final instalment tonight. The annual parade of dames in the dome has its detractors but if viewing figures and the nightly explosion of tweets during the show are anything to go by, The Rose Of Tralee is still as much a part of what makes us Irish as Marty Whelan doing Riverdance in a suit made of tayto packets!
So we thought we’d take a moment to look at those people and events that could only exist on this blessed green jewel in the crown of heaven we call Ireland.
Peig
The very mention of Peig to people of a certain vintage will have them clutch their heads and rock back and forth like a traumatised war veteran. Her pinched scowl would glare at us from beneath her death black shawl as we would be forced to bask in her misery. In fact the only joy to be wrought from Peig was the creative ways you could vandalise her name on the cover of the book.
The Late Late Toy Show
As with all the entries on this list, imagine yourself trying to explain this slice of Oirland to any other nation or even planet! ‘Sooo...let me get this right...you guys have a weekly talk show that runs for 2 HOURS!...and then one day a year before Christmas...the host puts on a weird jumper and plays with toys on live television...for 2 hours???’
Yes that’s right and it’s awesome and you can shut up!
Excuse me...sorry!
When it comes to rules of simply existing around other people, us Irish have a unique habit of taking full responsibility for any slight of any magnitude that really isn’t our fault. For example, when standing perfectly still and out of the way in a pub and some oaf bangs into you, we Irish are more likely to mutter an apologetic ‘Oh sorry excuse me’ rather than the verbal beat down the offender deserves.’ Sorry Sorry’ should be the country’s motto in fact!
The Angelus
We’re not here to argue the merits of the 6 O’Clock dongathon but there is no doubting that it has been part of the fabric of our identity flag for as long as we can remember. Back in the day, the call to prayer was simply illustrated by a religious icon but recent times have seen it show the ordinary dacent paple of Ireland case their day to day activity for a moment of reflection. An updated version should really include people pausing mid selfie, in the middle of stuffing a burrito into their gob or puffing on an e-cigaratte.
Penney’s Finest
Sure other countries have similar affordable high street shopping chains but NONE are as cherished as Penney’s is here in Ireland. In no other country would a compliment about a new top be greeted with a proud ‘Penny’s finest...€6!!’.
