HUNDREDS were today on the way off to the island for the annual TedFest to celebrate and remember the classic comedy Fr Ted.
While the organisers are promising a weekend of high-jinx, including copious cups of tea and a bishop getting a kick up the rear end, there will be added poignancy as it is happening just days after the 25th anniversary of the passing of star Dermot Morgan.
Inis Mor is transformed into ‘Craggy Island’ for the festival, which runs until Sunday. Numbers are normally no more than 450 as that is the absolute limit to accommodation with roofs, heating and running water.
However, there may be still room at a glamping site on the island and, if so, they will be given tickets, the organisers said.
They advised "please do not buy a ticket unless you have privately sourced accommodation or permission from another ticket holder to sleep with them".
Among the highlights of the weekend are the Lovely Girls Competition, Blind Date with Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonnell), The Screeching Competition in a very Dark Cave and The Reverse Wheel of Death.
All activity takes place at the Aran Islands hotel on Inis Mor, which has the space to accommodate the music stages, the Craggy Craic Den and full extended line-up.
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Events on the mainland are also happening, including the Tedfest “Toilet Duck” Awards today at the Róisin Dubh in Galway city.
The Toilet Duck Awards, named after Fr Jack's favourite drink, is a stand-up comedy competition featuring 16 up and coming comedians.
Organisers, however, warned: "Everything subject to change without notice nor comeback whether due to acts of God or straightforward incompetence".
Dermot Morgan, who died on February 28 1998, and Frank Kelly, who played Fr Jack, will be remembered over the weekend with a glass or two.
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