Blasphemers!
It’s fair to say that news that emerged over the weekend that Stephen Fry is under investigation for comments made about God during an appearance on The Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne didn’t go down too well.
The investigation, in case you hadn’t heard, has come about after a member of the public reported Fry’s comments on the RTÉ show to Gardaí in Ennis, over two years after he made the comments during the show in February 2015.
Ireland, by the way, is the only country in the developed world to have introduced a blasphemy law in the 21st century, although reports suggest that preparatory steps have been taken towards having a referendum with regard to the law in the near future.
Although the tone of the reaction to news that Fry was mainly one of fury and outrage, it did also prompt a rather brilliant thread on Twitter, started by comedian Alison Spittle, about amusing acts of blasphemy committed by Irish people.
If you’re looking for a giggle, you can see some of the best responses to Alison’s original example below and catch the thread in full here; it’s just a pity the investigation itself is far from a laughing matter.
What's the most blasphemous thing you've ever done? A lad in my village wore an Eminem T-shirt with the lyrics of 'Kim' on it to mass.
— Alison Spittle (@AlisonSpittle) May 6, 2017
Suggested our local church added a wholewheat Eucharist option. And possibly toppings.
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) May 6, 2017
My brother wore a t-shirt with a demonic moose labelled Moosifer to my communion.
— Jick Stewart (@altjick) May 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/Kallgeese/status/860912090634235904
https://twitter.com/Horsebox1986/status/860925626856984576
My friend's Dad, unbeknownst to himself, once wore a t-shirt with 'You look better from behind' printed across it in huge writing to a wake.
— Cormac D (@Camroc) May 6, 2017
Probably my Pancake Tuesday picture. pic.twitter.com/btyZLIKpvD
— Justine Stafford (@JustineStafford) May 7, 2017
Aged 18 & blind drunk at wedding afters, told the priest in great detail my reasons for being atheist. He left the priesthood 2 years later.
— Shane Clifford (@brilliantshane) May 6, 2017
Wait! I have a better one… pic.twitter.com/yPinhd8s78
— Duane Doogan (@DuaneDoogan) May 6, 2017
Kicking Bishop Brennan up the arse
— Jimmy Thickness (@vivapokey) May 8, 2017
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