It could have been just a journey down memory lane, but Aidan Strangeman's video for Focus Ireland is much more than that.
Yes, it's heart-warming and sentimental, but it's also hard-hitting, political and laugh-out-loud funny. That's because Strangeman asked members of the humour-obsessed OMGWACA (Oh my God what a complete Aisling) closed Facebook group to contribute lines to a poem called Ireland is . . . which is loosely based on one by Colm Keegan.
Hundreds responded with contributions from China, the United States, Canada, Australia, the UAE, Europe, and every corner of Ireland.
“Ireland is... where Penneys is an acceptable answer to a compliment... where craic is good and bold is bad . . . where a hug means you’re safe now, you’re home, or ‘home home’.”
He collated snippets together to make a video edited by Bob Murphy with music by Hugh Rodgers. As the theme of “home” kept coming up, it was decided to use it to raise money for the Ireland’s homeless this Christmas.
The video has had more than 5,000 YouTube views and raised over €3,000 for Focus Ireland – all in just a few days. Take a look - especially if you need a laugh, or are feeling a little homesick this Christmas.
