Ardal O’Hanlon shot to fame after playing the dim-witted Father Dougal Maguire in the classic sitcom, Father Ted.  He is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer.

After attending Dublin University, Ardal and friends established Ireland’s first alternative comedy club – The Comedy Cellar, based in Dublin. In 1994, he won the title of Comedy Newcomer of the Year and was soon spotted by the makers of Father Ted.

He made the role of Dougal Maguire his own and kickstarted his television comedy career. In 1998, Ardal O’Hanlon published a novel entitled, Talk Of The Town. It was also published in the US as the dubiously-monickered Knick Knack Paddy Whack.  His second novel entitled Brouhaha was published in 2022.

Ardal O’Hanlon has since starred in Big Bad World and was the host of The Stand Up Show. He has guest-starred in shows such as Shooting Stars and 100 Greatest TV Characters.

Another of his more successful roles has been that of Thermoman – alias mild-mannered shopkeeper, George Sunday – in the BBC sitcom, My Hero. The show ran for three series.

Ardal O’Hanlon appeared in TaskMaster in 2021 and in 2017 he sat round the table in Alan Davies As Yet Untitled. He has also been a guest contestant in Series 15 of Rob Brydon’s Would I Lie To You.

Derry Girls saw Ardal back in an acting role playing the part of Eamonn between 2019 and 2022 and .  He’s been on Countdown and had a part in Dr Who.