The television cameras were rolling non-stop over the past few weeks as the third series of the satirical comedy “Father Ted” was shot on location throughout County Clare. The stars of the hit Channel 4 sitcom were based in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon for a number of weeks. It was home away from home for the duration of filming for the new series of Father Ted which will be screened in February.

Most of the filming took place in the Burren district. The Craggy Island presbetery is located in Mullaghmore but the actors and crew have also filmed in Ennistymon and Shannon Airport. Indeed, Father Ted (Dermot Morgan) captivated bemused onlookers at the airport last week when he took over the arrivals lounge to film a scene for their latest episode.

Father Ted waved goodbye to his Craggy Island housemates as he jetted out to Rome to accept a surprise promotion from the Vatican, sparking fears among his colleagues Fr. Jack (Frank Kelly), Fr. Dougal (Ardal O’Hanlon) and housekeeper Mrs. Doyle (Pauline McGlynn) that they may have seen the last of him.

The filming attracted a large crowd to the airport throughout the day. As well as shooting scenes at the arrival lounge, the crew set up in the airport shop. And needless to say they were hard pressed to keep Fr. Jack away from the duty free with his cut price booze.

Last week was also an opportunity for people from North Clare to get in on the act and enjoy a fleeting courtship with stardom. Some, including 89 year old Charles Simon, jumped at the chance of unexpected fame by turning out for the footballing priesthood.

An over 75 five a side indoor soccer match between the priests of Craggy Island and their arch rivals from Rugged Island was played in the sports hall in Ennistymon’s community centre. Fr. Jack (Frank Kelly) caused consternation when he turned up for the game in his wheelchair and insisted on taking his place on the team. It was a howl and brought plenty of laughter from the spectators on the sidelines.

Writers Graham Lenihan and Arthur Matthews and Channel 4 bosses have not yet decided if this will be the last series of Father Ted. Matthews revealed that they are not “contractually committed” to another series. “We’ll just see how it goes. I definitely wouldn’t say this is the last series either. Then again you don’t want to outstay people’s welcome”, he added.

For his part Fr. Ted Crilly loves the series and is in no doubt that the third will be the best. During a break between scenes he had this to say “I feel sincerely that this series will be better than the previous two, the crew saw some of it last night and it is very funny. I love doing Ted, it’s great fun”, he added.