Top prize nomination for Cork comedian

Cork comedian Graham Norton has been nominated for the Perrier prize at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Cork comedian Graham Norton has been nominated for the Perrier prize at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Norton (34), from Bandon, is one of five nominees for the prize, which is regarded as the biggest award in comedy. The winner will be announced at midnight on Saturday. There have been three previous Irish winners of the Perrier - Ben Keaton in 1984, Sean Hughes in 1990 and Dylan Moran in 1996.

Norton, who is based in London, started performing only two years ago. He has hosted his own quiz show on ITV and a chat show on Channel 5. He is also known for his appearances on the Channel 4 sitcom, Father Ted, in which he plays Father Noel Furlong.

Brian Boyd

Brian Boyd

Brian Boyd, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes mainly about music and entertainment