Republican Rock

It's Ding Dong merrily on high as Ireland's booziest, Brit-hating balladeer celebrates his Christmas Hooley in Whelans tonight…

It's Ding Dong merrily on high as Ireland's booziest, Brit-hating balladeer celebrates his Christmas Hooley in Whelans tonight. Ding Dong Denny O'Reilly (right, on ground) will be bringing his message of peace on earth and goodwill to all men (except the Brits), and will revive those traditional Irish values of drinkin', pukin', spittin', fightin' and, of course, hatin' the Brits. O'Reilly's latest targets are the new James Bond blockbuster ("an Irishman with the holy name of Pearse playing an MI6 agent - Jaysus!") and the Peace Process ("The Blair/Mitch Project - what a f***ing horror movie"). The faithful fans at Whelans will be treated to a few come-all-ye's from his forthcoming album, Publocked, while film buffs will soon hear two Ding Dong songs on the soundtrack of the new Roddy Doyle movie, When Brendan Met Trudy. Word from the inside is that Mr. O'Reilly is being "groomed" for Hollywood stardom - should take a month just to get the Guinness stains off his Guccis.

Kevin Courtney

Kevin Courtney

Kevin Courtney is an Irish Times journalist