Ireland’s king of comedy

If they ever put Brendan Grace in the movies, all he’ll have to do is act naturally. Ireland’s king of comedy has spent time in recent weeks in the company of the legendary Burt Reynolds, discussing plans for an upcoming movie.

“It’s all coming along nicely,” says Brendan. “Along with my friends Damien O’Callaghan, the film director, and Paul Fitzsimons (screenwriter), we have been sharing time with Burt discussing his impending starring role in a movie to be made in Ireland. Burt is delighted with the idea so it will be full steam ahead in the New Year.”

Staying on the movie theme, Brendan was saddened to hear of the passing of screen legend Maureen O’Hara in October.

“Our family had become very close friends with Maureen, especially since she came to reside in Glengarriff in Co Cork. I was honoured to perform at some of her birthday parties and she was such a lady.

“Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne will always command a special place in the hearts of so many people here in Ireland and around the world for their lead roles in the iconic film The Quiet Man. It will always be a master-piece in the movie world.

“We were both Dubliners and shared many a good laugh. She was a true legend and a great and proud Irish woman.”

Brendan and Eileen are just after jetting in from Boston to Shannon, where they spent an enjoyable Christmas with family and grandchildren.

“I picked up my Dan Dooley passion wagon (tour sponsor) on St Stephen’s Day, so here I am ready for the roads of Ireland again,” laughs Brendan.

With a diary for January that would knock the stuffing out of many people half his age, Brendan is relishing another trip around the Irish course.

For more than 20 years, Brendan and Eileen have resided for most of the year in Florida, a place very close to their hearts. They love the weather in the Sunshine State and, apart from a few scary times during the annual hurricane season, Florida is now a way of life for them.

But the call of Ireland is never far away and they look forward to their regular trips back home.

Brendan hit the headlines when diabetes led to the loss of two of his toes a few years ago. He was to the fore in warning people of the dangers associated with not attending in time to matters relating to a problem that affects thousands of people.

“There are always little hints from the body that something is amiss. Men, especially, are often reluctant to pursue these matters. I cannot stress too much just how important it is to attend to your health.”

In more recent times, Brendan has been associated with promoting a health awareness campaign aimed at men aged over 50 in relation to prostate cancer and the need to have regular blood checks in relation to PSA levels. A few trips to the toilet at night time can indicate potential problems caused by an enlarged prostate and a trip to the local GP should be on the priority list at that stage.

Graceful Memories is the title of his latest album, featuring 16 tracks, most of them laden with Brendan’s distinctive style which has served him well over the decades. This is an all-songs album which helps to showcase the vocal talents of the ever popular entertainer.

His long-time manager, Tom Kelly, from Ballina, says it has been a special privilege to take charge of the diary for Brendan.

“Brendan is one great person and a true Irish institution. He has spread a lot of happiness all down the years,” reflects Tom.