In new book about the festival

More than 50 international comics have contributed anecdotes to a new guide to Kilkenny’s Cat Laughs festival.

The 224-page Secret Kilkenny guide includes contributions from stars including Jason Byrne, Ardal O’Hanlon, George Wendt and Dom Irrera – as well as some locals who ‘recount how they survived Johnny Vegas’s exploits’.

Published by Such Small Portions in time for the 2014 festival next weekend, the book also tells the story of the festival’s development from a late-night pub chat to the event it is today.

Editor Tim Clark said: ‘The annual Ireland Versus The Rest Of The World football match alone provided enough stories and photos of suspect play to fill a book. It’s the sort of event that helps make The Cat Laughs such a distinct festival that has earned its place in comedians’ hearts.’

His co-editor, Andrew Mickel, added: ‘The festival seems to encourage comedians to cut loose. We’ve heard time and again from comedians who say it’s their favourite festival.’

The book – a follow-up to a similar guide to the Edinburgh Fringe – costs €5.99 and will be available throughout the festival after it kicks off on Thursday. An electronic version is available here for £4.

Published: 27 May 2014