New ‘normal’ for Muiris in RTÉ’s latest hit show

KILLORGLIN actor Muiris Crowley has called it an ‘honour’ to feature in the Lenny Abrahamson-directed ‘Normal People’ which is currently showing to rave reviews on RTÉ television.

The hit series is based on the novel by Sally Rooney and focuses on the complex relationship among teenagers.

But it has also attracted criticism for its portrayal of sexual intimacy between teenagers, which has been labelled ‘fornication’ in some quarters.

Muiris plays the part of a local school teacher who, in the opening episode, is verbally berated by an angry teenager.

“Look, I remember my own days back in ISK in Killorglin. I’m sure I was used to giving teachers a bit of hassle as well,” Muiris joked.

In a nod to Kerry football tradition, Muiris’ role also involves him being coach of the school football team. Muiris even called on a memorable goal scored by his cousin and former Kerry star, Peter Crowley.

“It is very rarely that you see Gaelic football dramatized in a fiction piece and it’s what I loved most about the role,” Muiris said.

“They wanted me to be the coach and when Connell scores in ‘the wonder goal’ scene, it was choreographed on a famous goal Peter (Crowley) scored for Mid Kerry.

“I had approached the director and said ‘this is a video of a goal my cousin scored for Mid Kerry’, Abrahamson said he loved the sequence of passing, and the goal was based on that scene.

“I think my own background in Gaelic football also helped me in the part, and I enjoyed that aspect,” he said.

Muiris dismissed the ‘controversy’ raised by the sexual scenes in the opening episodes calling it a: ‘harp back to old Ireland’.

“What you’re seeing on the screen is what’s going on in real life, I wouldn’t even call it controversy,” he said.

“It’s just that some people are ignorant of it. It’s the truth, and I’m a huge fan of Sally Rooney as she’s a fantastic writer that writes real stories – people are loving the series so far.

“It is a fabulous show, and I’m just thrilled to have played a part in the whole process,” he said.

Muiris believes that the fact the show was screened in the height of the lockdown also played to its strengths.

“I think the timing was perfect as people were probably ‘watched out’ of watching other stuff on TV,” he said.

“In my own personal opinion, it’s been great for RTÉ. They’ve pushed the boat out as far as it will go as it’s a great drama.”

Muiris also knew once he saw the cast and producers that Normal People was going to be a success on screen.

“It has an Oscar-nominated director, while Element Pictures is an incredible production house. It’s been fabulous.

“Even though it’s only a small role, it’s an honour to have been a part of it. It’s a great production that is going all over the world with lots of people seeing it,” he said.

In a final comment on the controversy, Muiris would prefer if people chose not to entertain it.

“I think the storyline and the artistic merit speaks for itself,” he said.

“The fact it has been enjoyed by so many people is what matters. It’s reflecting much of what we all know to be true. I think people will always be drawn to what is good about drama, and this is good,” he said.

Actor Muiris Crowley in ‘Normal People’