Published: Thursday, 8th October, 2009 10:25am

BBC "Three Men in a Boat" stars at Mullingar Greyhound Stadium

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Three of the best stand-ups around - Dara O'Briain, Rory McGrath and Griff Rhys-Jones - are going to be in Mullingar this weekend, filming parts of the Christmas special of their tv show, "Three Men in a Boat".

Among their filming venues is to be Mullingar Greyhound Stadium.

"Three Men in a Boat" is an adaptation of Jerome K. Jerome's novel of the same name, featuring 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 the three comedians.

The programme makers are in Ireland to promote the new Failte Ireland region.

The trio will travel from Dublin using the Grand and Royal Canals, on an old barge, with their greyhound on board.

Dara O'Briain, who part owns a greyhound with a syndicate, will don his owner's 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 publicity 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, and children are being admitted free on the night.

The show will be broadcast on BBC 2 Television on New Year's Day.

Interestingly last year's Christmas special had the BBC's highest ratings over the Christmas period with over 5 million viewers.