Graham Norton wishes Pat Kenny luck for Newstalk move

BBC star Graham Norton has wished radio presenter Pat Kenny all the best with his decision to move to Newstalk.

Mr Norton was the star attraction in Ahakista, west Cork, where he acted as compere at a table quiz for his local community festival. “I’m not interested (in Pat Kenny’s job.) But good luck to him,” he said.

He didn’t rule out coming back to work in Ireland someday, but said he’s very happy in the UK. “Never say never, but not at the moment. Life is good, I’m liking the BBC, it’s all working out quite well,” he said.

As quiz fans donned bright garlands for the Hawaiian themed Ahakista Regatta Festival, Mr Norton posed for pictures and chatted with delighted members of the Keleghan family, who organise their own Gathering on the Sheep’s Head peninsula ever year.

“There can’t be anything wrong with people coming home and spending their money here, sure that’s great. And if they don’t sure isn’t it nice that some people get something to talk about out of it,” Mr Norton said.

He said the Irish diaspora is a valuable resource that should be utilised. “When times are hard you have to look at what you have and Ireland has an amazing resource in the number of Irish people abroad so you might as well try and milk it. Whether it works or not is another question but it seems to be busy this year and that’s the weather too, it’s all coming together which is great,” he said.

Organisers received overwhelming demand for last night’s sold out table quiz, which took place in a marquee next to the pub.

“Graham’s very much involved in things when he’s around, he’d be in Bantry and Schull helping promote different events. But his holiday time is his own and people respect that too,” Ahakista festival co-chairwoman Michelle O’Brien said.

The coastal festival continues over the weekend with a children’s Hawaiian party in the gardens of the Tin Shed Pub, a beach party and tomorrow’s Hawaiian themed novelty raft race.