Following the award-winning success of his previous historical TV shows “There’s Something about Patrick” and “The Only Viking in the Village”, Neil Delamere is back with more hilarious fadó fadó shenanigans.
In this brand new four part series Neil takes on Ireland’s Heroes. From the legendary warrior Cúchulainn to the pirate queen Gráinne Mhaol, Neil wants to get inside their skin and see if he has what it takes to be a modern day Irish Hero. Spoiler alert: He doesn’t.
Over the course of four rip-roaring hours, Neil fills us in on the true stories behind four of his favourite Irish heroes. He’ll learn to fight like the ferocious Cúchulainn, recreate Red Hugh O’Donnell’s daring escape by abseiling off the roof of Dublin Castle, taste some 16th Century “delicacies” enjoyed by Gráinne Mhaol and attempt to pass the ancient warrior tests endured by Fionn MacCumhaill and the Fianna, all in the name of refreshing our memory about some of Ireland’s most notable heroes.
Each episode will also see him take to the stage in Vicar St for a stand-up history lesson with a difference.
Episode 1 – Cúchulainn
In episode one Neil will retrace the steps of this legendary warrior – learning the ancient battle feats he was famed for and improving his hurling prowess under the guidance of famed Kilkenny hurler, DJ Carey. Just like the curse inflicted on the Ulstermen in the story of the Táin Bó Culaigne, Neil will experience first-hand what it’s like to swing a rather sharp sword while feeling the pangs of a woman in labour.
As well as travelling the country meeting historians and experts who explain the various battles, adventures and general divilment that earned Cú Chulainn his heroic status, Neil will take to the stage to regale audiences with his own very funny stand up about the hero in question, while some of Ireland’s finest comedy talent recreate some of the more unusual scenes from the sagas in some very funny comedy sketches.
Holding out for a Hero begins Monday December 1st 9pm on RTÉ2.