Actually Nidgemo, I think firstly you underestimate the reach of the Catholic Church and it's many traditions, and you're also assuming that we are too stupid to understand the references. Because all of those things you list as being the 'subtle' parts that we English shouldn't get, we do.
Humour is a universal language, Nidge. And now I've seen the examples you give as stuff we "don't get", you are just being a bit precious and pompous about it all.
Have you ever had a boring catholic priest come to your house who outstays their welcome and just won't leave?
No, because my dad wouldn't let any member of any regilious order cross our threshold. He used to tell them we were Pagan - would they "like to come in and observe a ritual?", and they couldn't shift themselves quick enough.
Have you ever been to a rural funfair as bad as funlamd?
Pretty much, yes. If you've ever been to a Church Fete in Blighty, they can be just as excruciating. And we have shows where people proudly display their marrows, sheep and cows.
Ever had you local bishop in rumoirs of having a secret love child in america?
I thought that was a standard rumour, frankly.
Do you understand just how desperately Ireland was trying to lose the eurovision in the mid 90's and why?
Cost. Cost. Cost.
Ever see the bizzare scene of a celibate priest judging a beauty contest?
The idea being the purity of the clergy would be looking at beauty rather than any sinful lustful thoughts. The Church would contend that it is only bizarre to those with those thoughts.
Do you know any sadist nuns?
You ever watched the Blues Brothers? And aren't all nuns a little Sadist? We do have Catholic schools in this country you know...
How much do you know about daniel O Donnell, to be able to see the funnyness of Eoin McLove?
Do you know how many records, videos and DVDs he and Foster and Allen sell over here? For fuck's sake he's not just confined to Ireland you know. He's portrayed as even squeakier clean than Sir Cliff and has fans of a certain age and hormonal balance.
For fuck sake, there's a magic road not 5 miles from my house!
We don't have any mystical / unusual historical places of interest oversold to the public in England.
I KNOW english people get it and find it very funny - just there are things in it that ONLY someone who's lived in rural ireland could fully be getting...
I actually know some people in rural Ireland who actually find it quite insulting.
I'm not saying people don;t get it - simply that if you and I sat down together to watch an episode of father ted, there would probably be bits I'd be laughing my arse off at, and you'd be wondering "what's funny there?"
Yes, I'd be sitting steely faced while you split your sides. Then we'll put on Fawlty Towers, and I'l split my side while you sit grumpily next to me.
Do you have to have worked in a Leisure Centre to find the 'Brittas Empire' funny? Do you have to have been in the reserves to find 'Dad's Army' funny? Would you need to have been an ex-jailbird to love "Porridge"?
There are always subtle jokes some people will get and others don't, seeing as humour is all individual. There are jokes you find funny that I don't - it's not necessarily cultural, or all rural Irish people would find Father Ted funny - and they don't.
I suspect the Catholic Church don't find it hilarious, and by your rationale, they should get ALL the references.
