The first time I saw Kevin McAleer live was in Andrews Lane Theatre. He came on stage and without saying anything more than " Aye" and "Well ye see" he had the audience in stitches for a good ten minutes before actually doing any material. It was the most incredible thing I ever experienced at a live comedy event. It was the kind of laughter that comes in waves like when you are with a group of friends and you get a fit of the giggles which is something that very rarely happens at comedy gigs. He had invented this character that the whole country had tapped into so we were all in on the joke but I'm sure there were others who found it bewildering. Years later I got to tour with Kevin and Barry Murphy in the modestly titled "The Kings Of Comedy" show and got to know him as the true gentleman he is. He is a man you just want to spend time with.