Ferbane comedian Tadhg Devery's 2025 was "overwhelming in the best way"

We contacted a number of people from in and around the Athlone area to ask them about their highlight of 2025 and their hopes for the new year.

Ferbane comedian Tadhg J Devery toured his show 'A Day In The Country' this year, and will be back with a new show in the new year.

* My highlight of 2025 was...

Without a doubt, touring my first ever live show, 'A Day in the Country'. Bringing that show around Ireland, walking out on stage night after night, and seeing rooms full of people who had come out specifically to support me was something I’ll never forget. To have a number of sold-out shows across the country was genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way.

What made it even more special was the connection with the audience. These characters and stories came from everyday rural life - the people we all know, the conversations we all hear - and seeing audiences relate to them, laugh at them, and recognise themselves in them was incredibly rewarding. I’m hugely grateful to everyone who bought a ticket, shared a video, told a friend, or simply took a chance on a first-time tour. It was an unbelievable experience, and one I’ll always be thankful for.

* My hopes for 2026 are...

Looking ahead to 2026, my biggest hope is to build on that momentum and bring everything to another level. I’ll be touring my brand new show, 'Pints, Dentures and Rock and Roll', which feels like the natural next step after 'A Day in the Country'. It’s bigger, bolder, and really pushes the characters and the live show experience even further.

One of my main goals for early 2026 is to kick off the new tour in the Bridge House in Tullamore — the venue where I started my first ever show. Going back there with a brand new production, especially with the show almost sold out already, feels like a full-circle moment. And then there will be a number of other shows around the country, and an autumn/winter tour to be announced later next year.

Beyond that, I’d love to see as many venues as possible across Ireland in 2026 and, if all goes well, take steps towards bringing the show international. Ultimately, my hope is simple: to keep doing what I love, keep growing, and keep meeting big crowds who are up for a laugh. The support so far has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.