By Sean Murphy
ONE of the most original comedians on the comedy circuit is returning to Donegal for another hilarious night.
Funnyman Paddy McDonnell is promising jokes, laughs, and fun for his upcoming gig at An Grianan in Letterkenny in a few weeks’ time.
His last date in the theatre was sold out and he is back with top class show Paddy Power FULL on Saturday, September 12.
Paddy, whose full-time job is a taxi driver, told the Donegal News: “I have had a few shows now in Donegal and I can say that Donegal people are my kind of people.
“We all love a laugh and, even more than that, I can say my family is from Donegal and I spent all my childhood summers in Donegal, especially the Gaeltacht areas.
“I’ve always said I want to retire in Donegal. People from the county get my humour. The show is about real-life stories and it’s very relatable.
“This new show is about me trying to lose weight, trying to turn back time, it’s all real. It’s comedy about having four kids and trying to juggle everything.
“Work, family, career, eating too much, drinking and travelling the world and being Irish.
“I definitely call myself Paddy, not Patrick. The only people who call me Patrick are my mum and dad and my family.
“I love being called Paddy. There is another comedian called Patrick McDonnell. He was on the TV show Fr Ted.
“No matter where I am in Donegal, people always come to me and stop me and quote back parts of my show, which is brilliant.
“They’ve enjoyed the show and they want to ask when the next one is. It shows that the material works. We all need a laugh, to enjoy ourselves at times.”
Comedian Paddy McDonnell on stage for one of his sold out comedy shows.
Paddy is with new promoters Aiken and said: “It’s going very well, great. I am going to new places and I’m returning to places I love like Letterkenny.
“I think people are going to love the show. We will be up for the craic. Tickets are flying, so grab yours now. I’m really looking forward to it.”
An Grianan said: “Paddy is back with a brand new show for another unforgettable night of laughter.
“Paddy largely bases his comedy from tales of working as a taxi man to everyday tales of being a husband and father.
“He is a regular performer at all the main Belfast comedy nights, has hosted The Empire’s Belfast Laugh’s Back comedy club, as well as being the first comedian to have played the West Belfast Feile six times.
“Paddy has shared the stage with acts including Frankie Boyle, Jason Manford, Paddy Kielty and Andrew Maxwell.”
Comedy legends Colin Murphy, Paddy McDonnell, and Andrew Ryan.
Paddy McDonnell performs on Saturday, September 12, at An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny with €22 tickets (including booking fee) available from the angrianan.com website, by phone on 074 912 0777, or in person at the box office during opening hours.