Father Ted as a fellow-student in UCD, 50 years ago... For Sunday Miscellany on RTÉ Radio 1, listen to Remembering Dermot Morgan, by Fred Tuite, above.
My memories of Belfield are inextricably linked to the late, lamented Dermot Morgan. There have been many celebrations of his talent, especially for his role as Father Ted, but his career imitating priests began a long time ago at a time when we were both in college.
In was in October 1972 as I returned for my second year to UCD to find the Belfield Arts Block filled with new first year students trying to find their way about. Making my way though this crowd to attend a lecture I met a friend coming the other way. "Come with me" she said. And so, I followed her into Theatre L, that huge amphitheatre crowded with expectant first year students for a lecture in English.
The lecturer, a lanky figure with a shock of black hair, in priestly garb came and took his place on the podium.
"Good morning students, I'm Father Michael Paul Gallagher and these lectures will be on Practical Criticism"
"But that’s not Michael Paul Gallagher!" I said to my companion.
She put her finger to her lip and motioned for me to listen on...
Listen to more from Sunday Miscellany here.
