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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Sarah Barrett

Father Ted fans thrilled as Ardal O’Hanlon shows off keepsake he 'nicked' from the show

Father Ted favourite Ardal O’Hanlon has revealed a memento he 'nicked' from the set of Father Ted 25 years ago.

The comedian and actor took to Twitter to share a sentimental portrait of Father Ted and Father Stone who had a reputation as the most boring priest who came to visit Ted and Dougal every year on the much-loved show.

The Irish star often reflects on the show, and posted the portrait along with the humorous caption: “Look what I found! The one thing I nicked from Father Ted set 25 years ago (apart from my tank tops obviously).”

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The portrait features Father Ted holding Father Stone in his arms.

Set on a remote island off the West Coast of Ireland, Craggy Island was home to the three hilarious Irish priests and their housekeeper Mrs Doyle.

It became one of the most loved Irish comedies in TV history and created a legacy of one liners, and had a lasting impact on Irish culture.

Despite the iconic show only running for three series, totalling 25 episodes, between 21 April 1995 and 1 May 1998 on the UK's Channel 4, it left a huge impact on viewers.

Father Ted (Channel 4)

The hit show starred Dermot Morgan (Father Ted Crilly), Ardal O'Hanlon (Father Dougal McGuire), Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly) and Mrs Doyle (Pauline McLynn).

In response to Ardal’s post, several Father Ted fans took to the comments to share their own mementoes and collectables paying homage to the show over the years.

One fan said: “Hi Ardal, I also own a piece of Father Ted history, I own the actual He-Man duvet and pillowcase that you used on set. My Dad won it for me from an eBay auction the actor Michael Fenton-Stevens was running.”

A second said: “I bought a replica on eBay years ago...it's proudly displayed in our dining room! #FatherTed #FatherStone.”

A third added: “I own the actual He-Man duvet and pillowcase that was used on the set of Father Ted.”

Father Ted won several BAFTA awards, twice winning for Best Comedy Series, and remains a popular sitcom in the UK and Ireland.

The actor, best known as Father Dougal told Claire Byrne that a Church of England cleric grabbed him by his lapels, and pinned him up against a wall in the attack (PA Archive/Press Association Ima)

In a 2001 poll by Channel 4, Dougal was ranked fifth on their list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters.

Ardal O Hanlon started his career as a stand-up comedian and is taking part in Channel 4 series Taskmaster.

The DCU communications graduate was spotted by comedy writer Graham Linehan who cast him as Father Dougal McGuire in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted.

The Death in Paradise star went from catholic priest to superhero Dr Who after the show ended.

The role won him the Top TV Comedy Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards.

Ardal played the iconic role from 1995 to 1998.

Dermot Morgan, star of Father Ted (Channel 4)

The timeless show ended following the sudden death of his co-star Dermot Morgan.

Morgan, who played Father Ted in the hit Channel 4 sitcom, passed away of a suspected heart attack in 1998 when he was 45 years old.

Read more: Keith Duffy says he can’t go out in Dublin for fear of getting ‘a dig’

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