Northern Ireland

New TV comedy accused of taking 'cheap shot' at IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands

Extraordinary, which is currently streaming on Disney , stars popular Derry Girls actress Siobhan McSweeny (far right) and Máiréad Tyers, who starred in Belfast (far left). Picture Disney
Extraordinary, which is currently streaming on Disney , stars popular Derry Girls actress Siobhan McSweeny (far right) and Máiréad Tyers, who starred in Belfast (far left). Picture Disney Extraordinary, which is currently streaming on Disney , stars popular Derry Girls actress Siobhan McSweeny (far right) and Máiréad Tyers, who starred in Belfast (far left). Picture Disney

A NEW TV comedy streaming on Disney+ has been accused of taking a "cheap shot" at IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.

Extraordinary is a London-based comedy about a world where everyone develops a super power.

Written by Northern Ireland writer Emma Moran, it stars Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney as Mary, mother of Jen.

However, the show has been criticised for a comment featured in the first season's final episode.

During an exchange between Mary and Jen, the daughter tells her mother there are no crisps left during a house party.

In response, Mary says: "What? It's only 11. Jesus Christ. Who did the Ocado? (home delivery service) Bobby Sands?

Bobby Sands who died on hunger strike in May 1981
Bobby Sands who died on hunger strike in May 1981 Bobby Sands who died on hunger strike in May 1981

Sands was the first of 10 republicans to die on hunger strike in the Maze Prison in 1981.

Danny Morrison, Secretary of the Bobby Sands Trust, said the comment was "totally disrespectful".

"The type of remark and ignorance that would appear in a loyalist Twitter account," he said.

"I find it disgusting to tell you the truth, to even make such a reference that ignores the pain and suffering of Bobby Sands and his family and the entire nationalist community".

Bobby Sands died on hunger strike on May 5 1981
Bobby Sands died on hunger strike on May 5 1981 Bobby Sands died on hunger strike on May 5 1981

Mr Morrison said the comment was a "cheap shot".

"It's quite infuriating," he said.

"Have they no awareness of what Bobby Sands means to the nationalist community.

"Not only did he die on hunger strike, he was elected to parliament for the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone."

Representatives for writer Emma Moran and Disney+ were contacted for comment.

Danny Morrison pictured at home on the 40th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands Picture by Mal McCann.
Danny Morrison pictured at home on the 40th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands Picture by Mal McCann. Danny Morrison pictured at home on the 40th anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands Picture by Mal McCann.