“Three Men in a Boat” is an adaptation of Jerome K. Jeromes novel which was based on a river journey between Kingston and Oxford on the Thames. First published 120 years ago in 1889 the book was initially intended to be a serious travel guide with accounts of local history along the route, but as humorous incidents occurred it became somewhat a comic novel.

Currently the BBC screen version stars Dara O,Briain, Rory McGrath and Griff Rhys -Jones. The programme makers are in Ireland to promote the new Failte Ireland region, Lakelands and inland waterways and will travel from Dublin using the Grand and Royal Canals on an old barge to Mullingar with their greyhound on board. The well known Irish comedian Dara O’Briain who part owns a greyhound with a syndicate will don his owners cap on Saturday night as his greyhound competes in Mullingar for the first time against some stiff local competition.

“The show’s producers visited the stadium on Saturday night last to finalise details and were very impressed with the facilities and atmosphere at the Stadium. The visit of one of the BBC’s top rating programme’s is not only great publicly for greyhound racing and the Stadium but also with other activities planned around the locality it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region to an international audience” said Philip Peake, General Manager at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium.

A huge attendance is expected on Saturday night as there is also a major fundraiser for Killasonna National School from Granard, Co Longford. Children are free on Saturday night so why not head along and be part of what promises to be a great occasion at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium. The show will be broadcast on BBC 2 Television on New Years Day, interestingly last years Christmas special had the BBC’s highest ratings over the Christmas period with over 5 Million viewers.