Des Bishop: In the Name of the Fada

Des tells of his own journey in grasping the Irish language and his assimilation into Connemara Gaeltacht community. He discovers the joys of having a Bean an ti, struggles to get his head around Irish grammar and sits the leaving certificate oral Irish exam all in preparation for his gig as gaeilge. His ultimate challenge is to reclaim the tradition of seanchai in its modern incarnation – stand up comedy – through the medium of its native tongue.

• Ep 1

  1.Episode 1

  13-03-2008

  As a native New Yorker, Des decides to go in search for a true rite of passage into Ireland by learning Irish in Connemara's Gaeltacht.

• Ep 2

  2.Episode 2

  20-03-2008

  This week the reality of Des's challenge sets in as he heads to Irish college and joins the local GAA football club.

• Ep 3

  3.Episode 3

  27-03-2008

  This week Des struggles to get his head around Irish grammar and turns to Hip Hop for help.

• Ep 4

  4.Episode 4

  03-04-2008

  Inspired by his trip to an Oireachtas in Westport, Des travels around the country to visit the different Gaeltacht areas.

• Ep 5

  5.Episode 5

  10-04-2008

  This week Des returns to the States and discovers that he's not the only American struggling to learn Irish.

• Ep 6

  6.Episode 6

  17-04-2008

  The big night has finally arrived; is Des ready for his first comedy gig as gaeilge?