FATHER Ted star Joe Rooney is heading off to tour Thailand.
The comedian, 59, jets off to Asia this month for three Craggy Island shows, in which he presents clips and reminisces about his role as Father Damo.
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His opening gig will be at Father Ted’s Irish Pub and Steakhouse Bar in the beachside town of Hua Hin.
Drogheda man Joe then takes his Celebrating Father Ted Show to capital Bangkok and coastal city Pattaya.
He told The Irish Sun: “There’s a load ex-pats all over Asia who love Ted.
“I’m getting free flights out there and put up in a five-star hotel. I’ll really enjoy the shows and then use it as a free holiday.”
Streaming services like Britbox introduced Father Ted to audiences in Asia, with Joe gaining social media followers across the Far East.
And while Father Damo didn’t make Joe rich, he revealed he still makes money on repeat fees.
Joe said: “I got paid four grand for being in Father Ted between my initial payment and repeat fees over the years.
“You’d get this little surprise cheque in the post of a few hundred quid.”
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Meanwhile, the stand-up has also been winning plaudits for his role in new Irish comedy Dublin Crust, which has been dubbed Trainspotting meets The Commitments and follows a punk band reforming.
Joe said: “I play the bass player Terence who ends up an angry drug dealer.”
However, audiences will be surprised by Joe’s acting in emotional scenes in which his ex-girlfriend denies him access to their child.
And Joe admits getting cast as Father Damo typecast him as a comedy actor when Dublin Crust, which is out now, shows he has always had the chops to do serious drama.
He said: “Father Ted does overshadow everything but I’m not complaining. It’s been good to me.”
‘MY SOUL MATE’
Joe Rooney was recently left beaming with joy after he revealed he’s engaged.
In the picture, Joe and his now fiancée Nera were posing together in a garden together while they soaked up some sunshine.
Joe was wearing a dark leather jacket in the snap while Nera was sporting a blue jumper with a white jacket over it.
She was showing off her beautiful engagement ring which had a large purple stone in the middle and was surrounded by diamonds.
Nera looked stunning in the picture and they both had huge grins on their faces after she said yes.
Joe captioned the adorable picture saying: “We are engaged!!
“I’m so happy to have met Nerea. She is kind, smart and beautiful and without doubt my soul mate.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my life with her. @nerea.inked #engagement #shesaidyes #forever.”
Nera also shared the same image on her own page as she gushed about her future husband.