Seamus O’Rourke shines on The Tommy Tiernan Show

Fans of Irish storytelling and humour had plenty to celebrate recently, as beloved writer, actor, and performer Seamus O’Rourke made an appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show last Saturday night on RTÉ. Known for his rich storytelling style and quick wit, O’Rourke has built a dedicated following through his one-man shows, radio broadcasts, and theatrical performances across Ireland.

The Tommy Tiernan Show is famous for its spontaneous format—host Tommy Tiernan does not know which guest will walk onto his set until they arrive. This unscripted approach often leads to heartfelt and illuminating conversations that reveal surprising stories and insights.

Originally from County Leitrim, O’Rourke has long been celebrated for capturing the essence of rural Irish life. During his conversation with Tommy, he shared anecdotes from his upbringing, discussed his creative process, and read an excerpt from his new book Leaning on Gates, focusing on his father—a poignant moment that resonated deeply with viewers.

"My father was not quite a farmer nor a fool, but came close to proving me wrong on both counts at different times in his life. He's gone over 20 years now and there's not a day goes by that I don't think of him or quote him or feed from his legacy. A true man and father of his time, properly embarrassing to no one but his own.

Awkward and straight at the same time, a man with a sense of what was just and what was just nonsense. He had independent thought, a rarity at the time, and he taught us integrity and how to put on an edge. He hated to see someone cutting grass or a hedge or bread with a bad edge.

Sharpen the knife and the blade, it'll do the work. I never hugged him or him me, but I do remember sitting on his knee as a child and rubbing his stuggled chin. He rarely went down shave, but this day he had growth on his face and I was fascinated by its roughness to the touch.

Yet it felt like I was taming him with every stroke, as close and as intimate as a father and son could be. I didn't feel pride or love or joy, it was just being on my daddy's knee and stopping him from having his tea. I shook his hand once when I came back from America in 1986 and he and me mother came down to Shannon Airport to meet me and it was a cold day in March and he had big purple hands because of his bad circulation.

Mammy hugged me and welcomed me home and he held out his big purple hand and shook mine and said, was there money on the plane? And I touched his face again after he died. It was cold and devoid of life, so I chose to remember him when I was just a child when he bounced me on his knee and said, up up little horsey, up up again, how many miles to Dublin, four score and ten."

After the show, social media lit up with praise from viewers who described it as a “great interview.” For his part, O’Rourke jokingly remarked, “Free pints in Carrigallen for the rest of my life,” delighting fans who admired his trademark humour and down-to-earth charm.

O’Rourke’s visit offered a warm, intimate glimpse into the life and creative mind of one of Ireland’s most engaging storytellers, underscoring why he continues to captivate audiences both on stage and on screen. The show can be watched on RTE player.

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