AsIAm: Ardal O'Hanlon Shares His Treasured Object - The Gloss Magazine
CONOR HEALY PHOTOGRAPHY | @PICTUREITPIX

AsIAm: Ardal O’Hanlon Shares His Treasured Object

The stand-up comedian, actor, writer and film-maker tells us about his favourite past-time …

What is precious to you, for one reason or another? What object would you never want to lose? Our treasured possessions are often an expression, sometimes an extension, of our very selves.

AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, has been working on a series of stories of celebrated people and their most valued mementoes. From Colin Farrell and Sebastian Barry to Rachael Blackmore and Alisha Weir, and many more, THE GLOSS is proud to partner with AsIAm and bring you a story a month. This month, Ardal O’Hanlon shares his story.

The BAFTA nominated actor, famous for his iconic character Dougal in Father Ted, has appeared in many other shows including Derry Girls, Death in Paradise and The Woman in the Wall. His latest role is in Fran the Man, a comedy premiering at the Dublin International Film Festival in March.

He’s also an acclaimed threatre actor, starring in plays such as The Weir (for which he recieved an Olivier nomination) and Dancing at Lughnasa at The National Theatre.

Not only that, his 2022 novel Brouhaha “could very easily be mistaken for an Irish literary classic if it wasn’t so damned funny”, according to The Irish Times. He will be touring his new stand-up show, Not Himself, throughout Ireland and the UK this autumn.

“I’ve kept souvenirs – a bit of the Father Ted set decoration, a model toy of my character in Doctor Who, a hand puppet I used on Taskmaster and, after a memorable theatre role, my beard in a vial!”

“There are paintings, furniture and family mementos I treasure, but using the ‘what would you save in a house fire’ ultimatum, my chosen object would have to be my tennis racket. I only properly discovered tennis in my forties and it’s probably what I love doing most. Not only does it keep me fit (and away from the wine), it’s pure escapism from work and the worries of the world. Unless, of course, you lose.”

“A racket is a beautiful thing, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but when you find one after trial and error that’s the correct weight with the right grip and is strung to your exact needs, it is positively life-enhancing. There is no sound more appealing than the twang of a perfectly struck shot. I would be lost without my racket. It has served me well.”

“When it’s in my hand I feel empowered, like somebody going to war, or a baby with a dummy!”

AsIAm, founded by Adam Harris in 2014, has a vision for Ireland as a place where every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support and special interest groups for children and adults with autism.

AsIAm provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. The charity operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email (support@asIam.ie).

To find out more: www.asiam.ie

To donate: www.asiam.ie/support-our-work/donate/

Photography: Conor Healy Photography@pictureitpix

THE GLOSS MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

All the usual great, glossy content of our large-format magazine in a neater style delivered to your door.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This