Memorial foundation to help new writers

A foundation to help aspiring comedy writers has been set up in memory of Father Ted star Dermot Morgan.

The charity, launched on the 10th anniversary of the comedian's sudden death, was announced at the annual TedFest celebrations in Galway – from the milk float used in the Speed episode.

It will give a small bursary to promising writers to help them develop their talent, although details of how to apply have not yet been announced.

Fiona Clarke, Dermot's partner, said: ‘ [Dermot] knew all too well the struggle of trying to write, work and feed a family.

‘The romantic vision of the struggling artist is all very well but the reality can be very stark and stressful. I hope that this bursary will give someone that small financial boost that can sometimes make all the difference.’

The actor’s son, Bobby added that he hoped the foundation would encourage ‘people to go the satirical route - not to let the establishment off the hook’.

The charity will be funded by comedy nights and other events, starting with An Audience Without Dermot Morgan at Dublin’s Button Factory on June 9.

Peter Philips, co-founder of TedFest, said: ‘As regards who will benefit from the money raised, we want to keep a brief of comedy writing, but that could be a screenplay, a sitcom pilot or a novel.’

Morgan died on February 28, 1998, in Richmond Surrey, just after filming the last episode of Father Ted and three days short of his 46th birthday.

Here he is in action:

Published: 29 Feb 2008