“One of the main reasons I believe in heaven is because I think this would be an awful racket to go through and to finish up down inside in the ground… if that’s what’s in it, like, I think we should just go into town tonight and go out of our minds.”
Their chat shows have received decidedly mixed reviews from audiences over the years, but RTÉ appeared to have struck gold with The Tommy Tiernan Show on Wednesday nights.
Every week, the comedian interviews a series of guests having done zero preparation in advance as he is unaware of their identity until they appear on stage.
While that might seem a recipe for disaster, it has instead worked a treat, with Tiernan showing a natural flair for the interviewing process with guests from all walks of life, such as the incredibly well-received chat with Muslim leader Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri last week.
This week, Michael Healy-Rae was amongst the guests on Tiernan’s show and though he is not always flavour of the month due to his views on drink-driving amongst other issues, his appearance went down a storm.
Tommy and Michael chatted about a range of topics, from mental health to Healy-Rae’s aforementioned views on drink-driving to religion, which led to the Kerryman’s fairly remarkable quote at the top of the page.
You can catch up on the most recent episode of The Tommy Tiernan Show, which also featured Emily Power Smith and Michael Harding on the RTÉ Player here.
https://twitter.com/gjt90/status/951217043084279808
I confess I wasn't expecting Michael Healy-Rae to talk so sensitively and decently about suicide and about issues regarding mental health. No buck-lepping, no leprechaunery. Just kindness. I guess that says more about me than about him. #TommyTiernan
— Donal O’Keeffe (@Donal_OKeeffe) January 10, 2018
Whilst you might not agree with him, there is something about Michael Healy-Rae’s charm and his love for Kerry and it’s people you have to like #TommyTiernanShow #TommyTiernan
— David Connors (@peterswellman) January 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/SaveUsY2Rory/status/951232899294154754
Love him or loathe him, Michael Healy-Rae has massive passion for his community, that was not an easy story to tell #tommytiernan
— Fiona Donnellan (@fionadonnellan) January 10, 2018
Great interview with Michael healy rae. #tommytiernanshow
— jaykell32 (@jaykell32) January 10, 2018
A very happy looking @MHealyRae tonight @Tommedian must have said something awful funny 😂😂 Great interview #TommyTiernanShow pic.twitter.com/e1CvS4nDQz
— Jackie Healy-Rae (@Jackie_HealyRae) January 10, 2018
Michael Healy-Rae would be the absolute craic on a stag, somebody ask him #tommytiernan
— Rebecca Horan (@HoranBex) January 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/liam_le/status/951210859547824128
Such respect for @MHealyRae on #TommyTiernanShow fair play!
— Ciara McKiernan (McGurl) (@CiaraMcGurl94) January 10, 2018
Jaysus this is perfect viewing @Tommedian @MHealyRae @rte #tommytiernanshow pic.twitter.com/GTRqdqIehq
— James McDermott (@jamesmcd1986) January 10, 2018
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