Its all systems go for "Paddy Power Ted-Fest", the World's first Father Ted Festival. The three day spectacular will take place this coming weekend (23 - 25 February) on the picturesque Island of Inis Mor (Inishmore), off the coast of Galway in Ireland. The Festival is sponsored by Ireland's largest Bookmaker Paddy Power who will be offering a range of betting opportunities around the event, all profits from which will go to charity.
The venue for the Festival was announced last month in controversial circumstances, amid furious opposition from neighbouring Island, Inis Oirr (Inisheer), who insist that the shipwreck featured in the opening sequence of the award wining comedy series is an historic & recognisable landmark of their coastline.
Thankfully, a truce was arranged between the feuding Islands with the agreement to compete in a 5-a-side soccer match on the beach when the tide goes out on the final day of the Festival. The winning side will be awarded the title of 'The Real Craggy Island' for the subsequent 12-months. The match which will be played on this final day of the Festival has attracted the support of IRISH SOCCER LEGENDS JOHN ALDRIDGE and TONY CASCARINO who will manage either team. There is also speculation that celebrity referee PIERRE-LUIGI COLLINA will oversee proceedings on the day.
Ken Robertson of Paddy Power said "This is going to be the festival of the year - the Father Ted Faithful will get a weekend they will never forget! We all know Ted was fond of a flutter so we feel this is a natural fit for paddypower.com. Also, with the unprecedented levels of betting we've seen on the Lovely Girls Competition there's no doubt that many fans are hoping to end the weekend with money 'resting in their accounts'!"
In conjunction with their sponsorship, Paddy Power have released a wide range of betting opportunities giving those not lucky enough to attend the event an opportunity to take part in the fun. The Bookmaker has also announced that ALL profits from their Ted-Fest betting will be donated equally to local charitable causes nominated by all of the Aran Islands.
Peter Philips, Chief Ted Fest Organiser said "It's fantastic to have Paddy Power involved with Ted-Fest. They are one of the most fun Irish Companies around and that is exactly what the Festival is about"
