Cork man's ‘Countdown’ clock causes airport conundrum

A Cork man almost caused “a minor international incident” after a souvenir clock from the popular TV gameshow Countdown was found ticking in his luggage by airport security staff.

Seán Cooke appeared on the Channel 4 programme in March, going on to win an impressive five games.

As part of his winning run, Mr Cooke received a place in this week’s quarter finals and a goodie bag containing the coveted Countdown souvenir teapot and clock.

The mechanical engineer returned to the Channel 4 studios this week and recounted — to the amusement of the audience — how the “ticking” souvenir raised eyebrows as he prepared to fly home last time.

“When I was travelling home through Manchester Airport I had the Countdown goodie bag with me and there was a very dense little paperweight clock in the goodie bag... and it was ticking.

“It caused almost a minor international incident,” he laughed.

“Thankfully I got it home anyway,”the Cork man added.

Countdown host Nick Hewer, 72, quipped: “Good to have you back with us safely anyway.”

Mr Cooke — who plays for Cork Admirals American Football team — lost out in Monday’s quarter final to the number two seed Robin McKay, on a scoreline of 107 points to 72 points.

However, the mechanical engineer still received a crystal trophy for being a Series 74 finalist.

Mr Cooke joked that he would be keeping the sharp-edged memento out of his carry-on luggage.