Kerry folk have last laugh as TV3 apologises

Q: WHAT d’ya call the TV3 presenter who insulted the Kingdom? A: Bowed.

TV3 has apologised for a “slur” on Kerry people who say they are growing tired of being the butt of jokes on the national media.

The latest row arose from an endurance test involving four young people, one of whom won a Nissan Micra at the end of the 26-day challenge in Killarney.

When it became known that the winner, 21-year-old student Adrian McCarthy from Killarney, was not yet a licensed driver and was unable to drive away in his prize, TV3 picked up on the issue in its report.

Glamorous newscaster, Grainne Seoige, made a throwaway remark to the effect: “Well, this is Kerry after all.’’

But Killarney town councillor Sheila Dickson was not amused and wrote to the station demanding an apology for stereotyping Kerry folk.

She said the comment was totally uncalled for, adding that there was no rule in the competition that those taking part had to have a licence, or be able to drive.

“I was upset myself and a lot of people considered the remark a slur on Kerry people,” Cllr Dickson said.

She duly received a written apology from TV3 director of news and information programming Andrew Hanlon, who said the comment was not intended to cause offence and was tongue-in-cheek.

He pointed out the station had on several occasions broadcast items which helped promote Kerry on different levels, including tourism, culture, folklore and its wonderful characters.

But Mr Hanlon accepted TV3 had a responsibility as a national broadcaster not to promote stereotyping of any sort.

“On this occasion, it could well be argued that we failed in our duty in that regard, albeit unintentionally,” he said.

“On behalf of TV3, I hope that you will continue to support our channel and would be grateful if you and your constituents would accept my apologies in relation to this matter.’’

Meanwhile, UCC arts student Adrian McCarthy, who had to live in the Nissan Micra for 22 hours and 30 minutes each day for 26 days, has had the last laugh and is learning to drive.