What do Daniel O'Donnell, pint baby, iodine tablets, Irish reality television, moral panics around sex, Nadine Coyle's missing passport, housewives of the year, bachelor festivals and the Alive-O religion programme have in common? They all tell the story of Ireland through the pop culture that has shaped us.
Part cultural history, part memoir and part affectionate excavation of the things we bore witness too and experienced, this book explores the television shows, music, scandals, celebrities, fads and media moments that shaped generations of Irish people.
From the rise of Irish reality television and the country's first music video programme MT-USA, to forgotten chart acts, moral panics, tabloid sensations and unlikely national icons, Pop Culchie explores the stories behind the pop culture moments that defined us.
Funny, nostalgic and rigorously researched, Pop Culchie reveals how popular culture has shaped Irish culture and history over the last half-century.
Whether you're nostalgic for the pop culture moments of the past or fascinated by the strange underbelly of Ireland's cultural moments, this is a celebration of Irish popular culture in all its eccentric, hilarious and unforgettable glory.
This book is educational, entertaining, and fun. As many stories therein are older than the author, tremendous research has been entered into, and the Source Notes and Bibliography section attests to that. The 25 chapters reveal many stories behind the “known” stories. It contains the Spirit of the Irish people that is unique to them. It is obvious the author enjoyed writing this account, and this joy shines through. He was also very honest in his personal sharing. You will be richly rewarded by taking a journey down this “culchie” memory lane.