When it comes to celebrating the intertwining cultures of Ireland and Merseyside, Séamas O’Reilly is a name that cannot be left out. As a writer and journalist, he has made it his mission to explore the rich history and contemporary vibrancy of both regions, breathing new life into old traditions and challenging preconceptions along the way. With his incisive insights and sharp wit, O’Reilly has become a beloved figure in both communities, bridging divides and forging connections where others see only difference. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and work of Séamas O’Reilly, and explore the impact he has had on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Paul O’Grady’s passing has left a void in the entertainment industry that cannot be filled. With his roots in Birkenhead, Paul was very loyal to his Irish heritage and the working classes of Merseyside. O’Grady first gained popularity for his drag alter-ego, Lily Savage, who turned a barbed and scabrous drag act into a crossover success. Her weekly performances in the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, tackling everything from the miners’ strikes to the AIDS crisis and Thatcher’s government crackdowns on LGBT people, were more entertaining and propulsive than anything on TV at the time. Lily’s popularity led to O’Grady being nominated for a Perrier Award in 1991.
O’Grady was a skilled broadcaster and quickly became popular as himself, appearing in a variety of shows from The Bill to Blind Date and Blankety Blank. The public became fondly infatuated with the funny, warm, and genuine man that they accepted as one of their own; someone who could spin effortlessly from grouch to grandma without ever seeming to put anyone out in the process. One of his most memorable moments in British television history was when Steve Guttenberg broke the Guinness World Record for preparing the most hot dogs in one minute (9).
O’Grady was comfortable in a variety of roles, whether it was interviewing celebrities, doing travelogues, and championing the cause of animals, or launching attacks on government policies. Inarguably, the most shared clip of his work was his 2010 attack on the Tory government for their swingeing cuts on social services in the wake of the banking crisis. It’s remarkable, not just for the righteousness of its venom, but for the reaction it engenders in the audience, who whoop and cheer his every word. A cross-section of middle England, so often portrayed as lockstep supporters of their sensible betters in the media and political class, delighted to hear the anger and purpose in O’Grady’s voice.
It’s tempting to marvel at O’Grady’s career from its beginnings; a gay, working-class, cross-dressing comedian finding success and acclaim among the mums and dads of 90s Britain. This was a polity still reeling from tabloid coverage of the AIDS crisis and the bruising battle over Section 28 of the Local Government Act. A law which, lest we forget, remained on the statutes of England and Wales until 2003 or the entirety of O’Grady’s rise to fame.
Given the current political and cultural climate, it’s difficult to imagine if that same gay, working-class, cross-dressing comedian would succeed if he were starting right now. With the panic about gender and drag shows being picketed everywhere from Santa Barbara to Skegness, cultural behemoths like Ru Paul’s Drag Race are siloed to specialist audiences, and away from the prime-time slots of 20 million viewers.
O’Grady’s true special sauce was the grit that nestled behind his impossibly amiable, sometimes fantastical, exterior. His was a smile that showed his grit. The entertainment industry needs people like O’Grady, who are able to stand up for what they believe in and entertain, all while showing their knuckles. His passing leaves a void in the industry that cannot be filled.
In conclusion, Séamas O’Reilly’s story reminds us of the importance of staying true to our roots and embracing our heritage, whatever it may be. Paul O’Grady’s loyalty to his Irish and Merseyside roots played a significant role in shaping who he is today, and his success is a testament to the power of embracing one’s identity. We should all strive to follow in his footsteps, and cherish the unique cultures and backgrounds that make us who we are. Thanks for reading.
