Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Enjoy!
Irish Comedian Hal Roach
Hal Roach (November 4, 1927 in Waterford – February 28 2012) was a prominent Irish comedian. He spent over 60 years in show business, and was featured in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest-running engagement of a comedian at the same venue: 26 years at Jury’s Irish Cabaret, Jury’s Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin.
Irish Comedian Hal Roach Career
Born John Roach, he began his career after winning a local talent competition as a boy soprano. He initially toured with an illusionist and specialised in magic, but later moved to comedy.
A typical Hal Roach joke is as follows: “He told me that I have a cult following, at least I think that’s what he said”.
Another- “There is a man sitting in the middle of the road casting his fishing line… now none of us is perfect, but c’mon! So I asked him, “How many have you caught today?” He said, “You’re the ninth.”
Perhaps his most famous catchphrase is “Write it down, it’s a good one!”.
Irish Comedian Hal Roach Influence
Roach has been cited as a major influence by other comedians such as Brendan Grace.
Roach is popular particularly with American tourists visiting Ireland. His act played heavily on traditional tourist imagery of Ireland and on Irish jokes. Several of his shows have been released on cassette and CD, and they are popular with tour bus drivers in several English-speaking countries who play them to passengers to help pass the time between destinations.
After suffering from a long bout of ill health, Roach passed away on February 28 2012. Upon hearing the news, fellow comedian and good friend Brendan Grace stated: “Roach was a prime influence throughout my career and has inspired me and many others to walk in the shadow of his greatness.”
Irish Comedian Hal Roach Albums
King of Blarney
Irish Records
We Irish Talk Like That Irish Records/Ceol
He Must Be Joking Irish Records/Ceol/Rajon
An Audience With Irish Records/Ceol/Rajon
The Best Of Irish Humour Grainne Music/Ceol/Rajon
Hal Roach & Friends Ovation
Write It Down Grainne Music/Rajon
It’s That Man Again! Grainne Music/Rajon
He’s At It Again Grainne Music/BMG/Rajon
