Thanks to the Bubblegum Club, Richard Molloy and Ciara O’Callaghan, young Michael O’Connor was treated to a first class visit to the set of Fair City at RTE on Thursday 13th May 2010.
Michael, who suffers from a serious rare eye condition which has left him blind, is a number one fan of the RTE TV soap, Fair City. He enthusiastically follows the characters and plots as they unfold on the nightly series. It has been a long time dream of his to visit the set and meet with his favourite actors. His dream finally came true when he was picked up by Ferrari on Thursday morning and chauffeured by Richard Molloy at high speed on the M50 to RTE, Donnybrook.
There to greet Michael was actress Ciara O’Callaghan, aka Yvonne. Ciara took the role of sighted guide, bringing Michael to visit the set where the actors and crew were filming an episode three weeks ahead of the schedule.
Ciara helped Michael to explore the set of the now familiar street including the famous McCoy’s pub, Vino’s Wine Bar, Phelan’s newsagents, the charity shop and community centre. Leo, Detective Deegan, Carol and Dean all took time out from filming to say hello to Michael and pose for photographs.
Once the outdoor sets were visited it was time to check out the indoor sets so again Ciara guided Michael into the popular eateries and watering holes of Carrickstown. Michael ordered a pint in McCoy’s, visited Sarah and Keith on set in their sitting room and waited to be served in the Hungry Pig!
After spending the morning hanging out with the actors in RTE it was time for lunch so once more Michael was whisked off by Richard in his Ferrari and brought to the Radisson Hotel where he sipped Coke Cola and chewed on tasty chicken nuggets!
Michael and his mum, Lorraine, were given a walk on part so look out for the two aspiring actors as they stroll there way past the Community Centre . . .in an episode of Fair City coming to a TV screen near you!!
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