IN THE end it was the Fermanagh accent which cost a local father and son on BBC quiz show ‘Pointless’ last week.
Richard and Christopher McGonigle originally from Irvinestown, appeared on the popular show last Tuesday and Wednesday, but unfortunately they were to leave empty handed.
“The experience ended on a wee bit of a sour note unfortunately,” explained Richard, “I gave a correct answer, but because of my Fermanagh accent they misheard. The correct answer would have scored 22 instead of 100 and we would have made it through to the next round.”
Despite attempts to query the outcome the producer stood by his decision and the two Fermanagh men were eliminated.
The category was people in power in key British government positions since 1990 and Richard said John Bercow, the House of Commons speaker, but it was unfortunately lost in translation.
In spite of the disappointing end Richard and Christopher, regular quiz goers, thoroughly enjoyed their time.
“The whole experience though was excellent, they put us up for two nights and flew us back home.
Everything was great, we made some great friends. It was a wee bit sour the way it ended because of the Fermanagh accent, but that’s life. It was just an unfortunate thing.”
After first watching the show Chris, who now works for NIEA in Belfast decided to recruit his father and give it a go.
“We’d been watching the show since it first aired and always wanted a go, they advertised for new contestants after one of the shows around August of last year so we filled in an online application.”
The two were called for an audition in Belfast around October and filming took place in March. After filming though, Chris admits it was an anxious wait to see how they came across on television.
“We got to the 2nd round of the first show but just hit an awkward question that didn’t suit either of us. The second show we were just unlucky with the pronunciation which ultimately ended our participation, although I think we would have done well if we had just been a wee bit more lucky.
“I’d highly recommend it, although people should be prepared for a lot of sitting around, we sat from 9am to 5pm the first day in the Green Room but weren’t called for filming that day.
“A lot of friends and work colleagues have commented on it since it was aired and overall the comments are positive.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere