Ross O'Carroll-Kelly
Encyclopedia
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly is a fictional wealthy "D4
" rugby union
player created by journalist Paul Howard.
The character first appeared in a January 1998 column in the Sunday Tribune
newspaper and later transferred to The Irish Times
. The series comprises (as of 2010) ten novels, two plays, a CD, two other books and the newspaper column.
Howard distances himself from his protagonist's viewpoint by describing himself as being "as working class
as curry
sauce, processed cheese
slices and borrowing money from the credit union
."
representative of the intonation attributed to affluent areas of South Dublin
, commonly called "Dortspeak" (after the DART
, a rail service covering the Dublin coast). This accent is one of the primary targets of satire in the columns and novels. Due to the wide variety of esoteric slang used in the novels, a glossary
("ThesauRoss") appears as an appendix to Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to (South) Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day
. Though the basic idiom
s are derived largely from standard Hiberno-English
, the South Dublin accent as represented by Howard has distinctive features:
Although the main satirical targets of the columns are affluent South Dublin dwellers, elements of working-class culture (sometimes called skanger culture) are also parodied, again, primarily through language.
Eye dialect
is also used to portray the accents of Northern Irish
people, "culchies" (rural dwellers) and foreigners.
Ireland. Though it is largely viewed as satire, there are those who view Ross O'Carroll-Kelly as a role model
or an idol
. Paul Howard has claimed some people have imitated Ross's friends pastime of driving through disadvantaged areas in expensive cars, shouting "Affluence!" at passers-by and throwing €5 notes out the window. Following Ross's move to The Irish Times
, the Irish Independent
began a similar column, OMG! featuring a female counterpart to Ross, in its Weekend supplement on 22 September 2007.
Dublin 4
Dublin 4 is a postal district of Dublin, Ireland including the suburbs of Sandymount, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Ringsend and Irishtown on the South side of Dublin....
" rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player created by journalist Paul Howard.
The character first appeared in a January 1998 column in the Sunday Tribune
Sunday Tribune
The Sunday Tribune was an Irish Sunday broadsheet newspaper published by Tribune Newspapers plc. It was edited in its final years by Nóirín Hegarty, who changed both the tone and the physical format of the newspaper from broadsheet to tabloid. Former editors include Conor Brady, Vincent Browne,...
newspaper and later transferred to The Irish Times
The Irish Times
The Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays...
. The series comprises (as of 2010) ten novels, two plays, a CD, two other books and the newspaper column.
Howard distances himself from his protagonist's viewpoint by describing himself as being "as working class
Working class
Working class is a term used in the social sciences and in ordinary conversation to describe those employed in lower tier jobs , often extending to those in unemployment or otherwise possessing below-average incomes...
as curry
Curry
Curry is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of dishes from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Thai or other Southeast Asian cuisines...
sauce, processed cheese
Cheese
Cheese is a generic term for a diverse group of milk-based food products. Cheese is produced throughout the world in wide-ranging flavors, textures, and forms....
slices and borrowing money from the credit union
Credit union
A credit union is a cooperative financial institution that is owned and controlled by its members and operated for the purpose of promoting thrift, providing credit at competitive rates, and providing other financial services to its members...
."
Works in the series
| Medium | Title | Release | Plot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newspaper column | Ross O'Carroll-Kelly | Sunday Tribune Sunday Tribune The Sunday Tribune was an Irish Sunday broadsheet newspaper published by Tribune Newspapers plc. It was edited in its final years by Nóirín Hegarty, who changed both the tone and the physical format of the newspaper from broadsheet to tabloid. Former editors include Conor Brady, Vincent Browne,... , January 1998 – July 2007 |
The life and loves of Ross |
| The Irish Times The Irish Times The Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays... , 1 September 2007 – present |
|||
| Novel | The Miseducation of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly The Miseducation of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly The Miseducation of Ross O'Carroll-Kelly: The Diary of a Schools Rugby Player is a 2000 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the first in the best-selling Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series... (revised edition titled The Miseducation Years) |
Sunday Tribune Sunday Tribune The Sunday Tribune was an Irish Sunday broadsheet newspaper published by Tribune Newspapers plc. It was edited in its final years by Nóirín Hegarty, who changed both the tone and the physical format of the newspaper from broadsheet to tabloid. Former editors include Conor Brady, Vincent Browne,... , 2000 |
Ross's last two years at Castlerock College and his Leinster Senior Cup Leinster Schools Senior Cup The Leinster Schools Senior Challenge Cup is the premier rugby union competition for secondary schools affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU. First held in 1887, the Cup celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2007.... victory |
| Novel | Roysh Here, Roysh Now… The Teenage Dirtbag Years Roysh Here, Roysh Now… The Teenage Dirtbag Years Roysh Here, Roysh Now… The Teenage Dirtbag Years is a 2001 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the second in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... (revised edition titled The Teenage Dirtbag Years) |
Sunday Tribune Sunday Tribune The Sunday Tribune was an Irish Sunday broadsheet newspaper published by Tribune Newspapers plc. It was edited in its final years by Nóirín Hegarty, who changed both the tone and the physical format of the newspaper from broadsheet to tabloid. Former editors include Conor Brady, Vincent Browne,... , 2001 |
Ross's first year at UCD University College Dublin University College Dublin ) - formally known as University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's largest, and Ireland's second largest, university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students... and holiday in the U.S. |
| Novel | The Orange Mocha-Chip Frappuccino Years The Orange Mocha-Chip Frappuccino Years The Orange Mocha-Chip Frappuccino Years is a 2003 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the third in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... |
The O'Brien Press, March 2003 | Ross's parents force him to fend for himself as an estate agent Estate agent An estate agent is a person or business that arranges the selling, renting or management of properties, and other buildings, in the United Kingdom and Ireland. An agent that specialises in renting is often called a letting or management agent... |
| Novel | PS, I Scored The Bridesmaids PS, I Scored The Bridesmaids PS, I Scored The Bridesmaids is a 2005 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the fourth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.... |
The O'Brien Press, April 2005 | Ross and Sorcha get married |
| Spoken-word album | The Twelve Days of Christmas The Twelve Days of Christmas (album) The Twelve Days of Christmas is a comedy album written by Paul Howard as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.The CD tells the story of the run-up to Ross's Christmas. It stars Risteárd Cooper, Lisa Lambe, Mark Lambert, Helen Norton, Tara Flynn, Rory Keenan, Karen Ardiff and Paul Howard.... |
Magpie Productions Ltd, November 2005 | A comedy album about the lead-up to Ross's Christmas |
| Novel | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightdress is a 2006 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the fifth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... |
Penguin Books Penguin Books Penguin Books is a publisher founded in 1935 by Sir Allen Lane and V.K. Krishna Menon. Penguin revolutionised publishing in the 1930s through its high quality, inexpensive paperbacks, sold through Woolworths and other high street stores for sixpence. Penguin's success demonstrated that large... , June 2006 |
Ross discovers that he is a father |
| Novel | Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade Should Have Got Off at Sydney Parade is a 2007 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the sixth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... |
Penguin Books, May 2007 | Sorcha falls pregnant |
| Play | The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger is a 2007 play by Irish writer Paul Howard, as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:The title is a reference to the Celtic Tiger, a period of prosperity in the Republic of Ireland from c.1992–2006.... |
Premiered at the Olympia Theatre Olympia Theatre, Dublin The Olympia Theatre is a concert hall/theatre venue in Dublin, Ireland, located in Dame Street.-History:Built in 1879, it was originally called the "Star of Erin Music Hall". Two years later in 1881, it was renamed "Dan Lowrey's Music Hall" and was renamed again in 1889 to "Dan Lowrey's Palace of... , November 2007 |
Plot is similar to that of This Champagne Mojito Is The Last Thing I Own |
| Mock travel guide | Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to (South) Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to (South) Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day is a 2008 faux-travel guide by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series... |
Penguin Books, May 2008 | A mock-travel guide to "SoCoDu." |
| Novel | This Champagne Mojito Is The Last Thing I Own This Champagne Mojito Is The Last Thing I Own This Champagne Mojito Is The Last Thing I Own is a 2008 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the seventh in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... |
Penguin Books, June 2008 | Ross's father is imprisoned and his assets seized. |
| Novel | Mr S and the Secrets of Andorra's Box Mr S and the Secrets of Andorra's Box Mr S and the Secrets of Andorra's Box is a 2008 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the eighth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:... |
Penguin Books, October 2008 | Ross becomes coach of the Andorra national rugby union team Andorra national rugby union team The Andorra national rugby union team, nicknamed Els Isards represent Andorra in international rugby union competitions. They are currently ranked 66th out of 95 Rugby playing nations by the International Rugby Board... , and discovers that Erika is actually his sister |
| Compilation | Ross O'Carroll-Kelly and the Temple of Academe | Penguin Books, February 2009 | Contains The Miseducation Years and The Teenage Dirtbag Years |
| Book of mock-interviews | We Need To Talk About Ross We Need To Talk About Ross We Need To Talk About Ross is a 2009 book of fictional interviews by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series. It takes the form of a series of interviews with Ross and his friends in the aftermath of Mr S and the Secrets of Andorra's Box.... |
Penguin Books, June 2009 | A book of mock-interviews in which characters from the series discuss the protagonist. |
| Novel | Rhino What You Did Last Summer Rhino What You Did Last Summer Rhino What You Did Last Summer is a 2009 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the ninth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:The title refers to the film I Know What You Did Last Summer and to Ross's rhinoplasty.... |
Penguin Books, September 2009 | Ross goes Stateside in order to win Sorcha back. While there, he ends up starring in his own reality TV show. |
| Novel | The Oh My God Delusion The Oh My God Delusion The Oh My God Delusion is a 2010 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, and the tenth in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:The title refers to Richard Dawkins's book The God Delusion and to the expression "Oh my God".... |
Penguin Books, 7 October 2010 | Ross faces genuine poverty as the Irish economy nosedives. |
| Play | Between Foxrock and a Hard Place Between Foxrock and a Hard Place Between Foxrock and a Hard Place is a 2010 play by Irish writer Paul Howard, as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:The title is a reference to the phrase between a rock and a hard place and the wealthy Dublin suburb Foxrock.-Publicity stunt:... |
Premiered at the Olympia Theatre Olympia Theatre, Dublin The Olympia Theatre is a concert hall/theatre venue in Dublin, Ireland, located in Dame Street.-History:Built in 1879, it was originally called the "Star of Erin Music Hall". Two years later in 1881, it was renamed "Dan Lowrey's Music Hall" and was renamed again in 1889 to "Dan Lowrey's Palace of... , 15 October 2010 |
Ross's parents sell their house, and the O'Carroll-Kelly family fall victim to a tiger kidnapping Tiger kidnapping A tiger kidnapping or tiger robbery is a crime in which an abduction forms part of a robbery, murder, or any other crime. A person of importance to the victim is held hostage as collateral until the victim has met the criminal's demands.-Etymology:... |
| Novel | NAMA Mia! Nama Mia! NAMA Mia! is a 2011 novel by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard and the eleventh in the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series.-Title:The title refers to the National Asset Management Agency and to the Catherine Johnson stage musical Mamma Mia!... |
Penguin Books, to be released 6 October 2011 | Ross sees a turning point in the recession, for himself at least. |
Language
The novels are written entirely from Ross's first-person perspective, written in an eye dialectEye dialect
Eye dialect is the use of non-standard spelling for speech to draw attention to pronunciation. The term was originally coined by George P. Krapp to refer to the literary technique of using non-standard spelling that implies a pronunciation of the given word that is actually standard, such as...
representative of the intonation attributed to affluent areas of South Dublin
Southside (Dublin)
The Southside is not an official administrative area but a colloquial term referring to the area of County Dublin bounded to the north by the River Liffey to the east by Dublin Bay, to the south and west by the boundaries of County Dublin...
, commonly called "Dortspeak" (after the DART
Dublin Area Rapid Transit
The Dublin Area Rapid Transit is part of the suburban railway network in Ireland, running mainly along the coastline of Dublin Bay on the Trans-Dublin route, from Greystones in County Wicklow, through Dublin to Howth and Malahide in County Dublin.Trains are powered via a 1500V DC overhead catenary...
, a rail service covering the Dublin coast). This accent is one of the primary targets of satire in the columns and novels. Due to the wide variety of esoteric slang used in the novels, a glossary
Glossary
A glossary, also known as an idioticon, vocabulary, or clavis, is an alphabetical list of terms in a particular domain of knowledge with the definitions for those terms...
("ThesauRoss") appears as an appendix to Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to (South) Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to (South) Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly's Guide to Dublin: How To Get By On, Like, €10,000 A Day is a 2008 faux-travel guide by Irish journalist and author Paul Howard, as part of the Ross O'Carroll-Kelly series...
. Though the basic idiom
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
s are derived largely from standard Hiberno-English
Hiberno-English
Hiberno-English is the dialect of English written and spoken in Ireland .English was first brought to Ireland during the Norman invasion of the late 12th century. Initially it was mainly spoken in an area known as the Pale around Dublin, with Irish spoken throughout the rest of the country...
, the South Dublin accent as represented by Howard has distinctive features:
- "Car" is written as "cor", "ArtsBachelor of ArtsA Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
" as "Orts", "star" as "stor", and "fuckFuck"Fuck" is an English word that is generally considered obscene which, in its most literal meaning, refers to the act of sexual intercourse. By extension it may be used to negatively characterize anything that can be dismissed, disdained, defiled, or destroyed."Fuck" can be used as a verb, adverb,...
" as "fock", "right as "roysh." - The "soft T" prevails: "right" becomes "roysh", "DARTDublin Area Rapid TransitThe Dublin Area Rapid Transit is part of the suburban railway network in Ireland, running mainly along the coastline of Dublin Bay on the Trans-Dublin route, from Greystones in County Wicklow, through Dublin to Howth and Malahide in County Dublin.Trains are powered via a 1500V DC overhead catenary...
" becomes "Dorsh" - A form of rhyming slang is used: A taxi is a "Jo MaxiJo MaxiJo Maxi was an Irish teenage entertainment show which would report on teenage issues. The presenters would discuss issues relating to teenagers through reports and studio discussions. They would also review books, movies and other TV shows. Gig Guides and job/study information was also reported...
" (or simply a "Jo"), a face is a "boat race", breasts are "top tens" (Top Ten hits — tits) and a love-bite is a "Denis" (Denis HickieDenis HickieDenis Anthony Hickie born 13 February 1976 in Dublin, Ireland is a retired professional rugby union footballer employed by the Irish Rugby Football Union. He played his club rugby for Leinster. His primary position was on the wing. He is also known as Disco Denis as a result of his quick feet...
). Ross often refers to having an "Allied Irish" (Allied Irish Bank: "wankMasturbationMasturbation refers to sexual stimulation of a person's own genitals, usually to the point of orgasm. The stimulation can be performed manually, by use of objects or tools, or by some combination of these methods. Masturbation is a common form of autoeroticism...
"). "Padraig Pearse", "fierce") - Other forms of wordplay (occasionally employing equally obscure references) are also common. For example, a girl who has "fallen to the communistsCommunismCommunism is a social, political and economic ideology that aims at the establishment of a classless, moneyless, revolutionary and stateless socialist society structured upon common ownership of the means of production...
", has "MunsterMunster RugbyMunster Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup.The team represents the Irish Rugby Football Union Munster Branch which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union in the Irish...
playing at homeThomond ParkThomond Park is a stadium located in Limerick in the Irish province of Munster. The stadium is owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union and count Munster Rugby, Shannon RFC and UL Bohemian RFC as tenants. The capacity of the stadium is 26,500 following its large scale redevelopment in...
" or has won a "starring role in a period costume drama" is (or is speculated to be) having her periodMenstruationMenstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining . It occurs on a regular basis in sexually reproductive-age females of certain mammal species. This article focuses on human menstruation.-Overview:... - Ross, in particular, describes women by comparing them to female celebrities. For example "A total Ali LandryAli LandryAli Germaine Landry is a former Miss USA , model and actress. She is perhaps best known as the Doritos Girl from her 1998 Super Bowl commercial, and for her portrayal of Rita Lefleur on the UPN sitcom Eve. In 1998, she was named by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world.-...
", "A bit of a girl-next-door vibe, if your next door neighbour happens to be Cheryl TweedyCheryl ColeCheryl Ann Cole is an English pop and R&B recording artist, songwriter, dancer, actress and model. She rose to fame in late 2002 when she auditioned for the reality television show Popstars: The Rivals on ITV. The programme announced that Cole had won a place as a member of the girl group, Girls...
" - Ugly women are often referred to as "moonpigs" or "swamp donkeys"
Although the main satirical targets of the columns are affluent South Dublin dwellers, elements of working-class culture (sometimes called skanger culture) are also parodied, again, primarily through language.
- Common exclamations include "Ah Jaysus!", and "(Wat's de) Story, bud?" (which is taken to mean "How are you?")
- The 'th' sound becomes a 'd' sound: "Wudja looka dat young fella over dare" ("(Would you) Look at that young man over there")
- "The HeraldEvening HeraldThe Evening Herald is a mid-market tabloid evening newspaper published in Dublin, Ireland by Independent News & Media. It is published Monday-Saturday, and has three editions — City Edition, City Final Edition and National Edition...
" becomes "De Heddild", "aren't" becomes "arden't", and crime figure "The General" becomes "de Gennidel" - Working class people are sometimes referred to by Ross as "Howiyas" (based on the Dublin accent rendering of "How are you?"), and the women as "Jacintas", "Anitas" (written as Anee-eh) or "Natalies" (names perceived to be common among working class Dublin women)
- The term "steamer" is a phrase used by Ross referring to a guy who 'bats for the other team or drives on the wrong side of the road' i.e.: is homosexual
Eye dialect
Eye dialect
Eye dialect is the use of non-standard spelling for speech to draw attention to pronunciation. The term was originally coined by George P. Krapp to refer to the literary technique of using non-standard spelling that implies a pronunciation of the given word that is actually standard, such as...
is also used to portray the accents of Northern Irish
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
people, "culchies" (rural dwellers) and foreigners.
Cultural impact
Ross O'Carroll-Kelly is something of a craze in Ireland, and his name has become a byword for all that is perceived to be wrong in Celtic TigerCeltic Tiger
Celtic Tiger is a term used to describe the economy of Ireland during a period of rapid economic growth between 1995 and 2007. The expansion underwent a dramatic reversal from 2008, with GDP contracting by 14% and unemployment levels rising to 14% by 2010...
Ireland. Though it is largely viewed as satire, there are those who view Ross O'Carroll-Kelly as a role model
Role model
The term role model generally means any "person who serves as an example, whose behaviour is emulated by others".The term first appeared in Robert K. Merton's socialization research of medical students...
or an idol
Teen idol
A teen idol is a celebrity who is widely idolized by teenagers; he or she is often young but not necessarily teenaged. Often teen idols are actors or pop singers, but some sports figures have an appeal to teenagers. Some teen idols began their careers as child actors...
. Paul Howard has claimed some people have imitated Ross's friends pastime of driving through disadvantaged areas in expensive cars, shouting "Affluence!" at passers-by and throwing €5 notes out the window. Following Ross's move to The Irish Times
The Irish Times
The Irish Times is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Kevin O'Sullivan who succeeded Geraldine Kennedy in 2011; the deputy editor is Paul O'Neill. The Irish Times is considered to be Ireland's newspaper of record, and is published every day except Sundays...
, the Irish Independent
Irish Independent
The Irish Independent is Ireland's largest-selling daily newspaper that is published in both compact and broadsheet formats. It is the flagship publication of Independent News & Media.-History:...
began a similar column, OMG! featuring a female counterpart to Ross, in its Weekend supplement on 22 September 2007.