Comedian Dara Ó Briain isn’t just a pro at jokes, he’s also a big fan of mathematics and even has a degree in the subject.
That’s why It comes as no surprise that he recently won the 2021 Maths Week Ireland Award during an online ceremony.
His infectious enthusiasm for maths is demonstrated across a variety of different platforms, including his much-loved jokes.
Ó Briain graduated in 1994 with a degree in mathematics and theoretical physics from University College Dublin (UCD).
Although he decided to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian, maths still continued to have an influence on him and his work.
During his career, he has noticed similarities between the mathematical proof called ‘reductio ad absurdum'- which is where you take an initial supposition and explore it to see how it leads to a contradiction.
He’s also demonstrated the logic used in comedy, where an assumption is made and then exaggerated until it reaches its breaking point.
Dara has shown that the way in which comedians’ minds work isn’t too dissimilar to how a mathematician's mind might work.
He has since combined his two passions of maths and comedy, with television programmes including ‘Dara Ó Briain: School of Hard Sums’.
When receiving his award, Dara Ó Briain said: “I’m very flattered and privileged to receive this award for raising public awareness of maths.
“Maths Week itself is a great initiative as it shows us maths and numeracy are for everyone regardless of your level of proficiency.
“I would like to congratulate the Maths Week team for their work in promoting maths, it’s incredible to see the huge numbers participating.
“I’ve always had an interest in maths and am very pleased that I’ve been able to share that interest with a wider audience.”
Dr. Sheila Donegan, co-founder of Maths Week Ireland, added: “Throughout his career, Dara Ó Briain has done that repeatedly, while also working to make maths less mysterious, or intimidating.
“Fear of failure can hold people back from engaging with maths, despite the career opportunities it presents, and its importance in every aspect of our lives.”
“Ó Briain has helped many overcome this fear. Dara has made mathematical concepts more accessible to the public and has normalised maths.”
