Laois actor Robert Sheehan has new book and stars in new Blindboy inspired RTÉ drama

Portlaoise actor Robert Sheehan features in the new season of an Irish drama on RTÉ, a production based on  a story by Limerick artist Blindboy Boatclub.

The news comes on the same day as the Laois man publishes his second book which is part autobiography and which is inspired by meditation.

RTÉ says its new season of content going into Autumn 2024 schedule includes Robert Sheehan starring in ‘Did you hear about Erskine Fogarty’ which the station describes as a ‘darkly absurd comedy’ based on Blindboy Boatclub’s short story.

News: new project! RTÉ have just announced their Autumn 2024 schedule which includes Robert Sheehan starring in ‘Did you hear about Erskine Fogarty’ a ‘darkly absurd comedy’ based on Blindboy Boatclub’s short story. ©DWGH Photos pic.twitter.com/iq2UBijDsb

— The Sheehab (@TheSheehab) August 31, 2024

Did you read about Erskine Fogarty? is set in Limerick in 2008 amid the recession. It forms part of Blindboy’s first podcast and was published in The Gospel According to Blindboy in 15 Short Stories by the Limerick artist in 2017.

He has also used his creative mind in writing.  His debut novel, Disappearing Act: A Host of Other Characters in 16 Short Stories was published in 2015. 

His new book, Playing Dead: How Meditation Brought Me Back to Life is published, on September 3 2024.

In the book the Laois man shares intimate and sometimes reflections on his search for purpose, looking back at the adventures – and misadventures – of his life so far. He shares the transformative lessons he has learnt along the way. Through stories, memories and his musings on fame. It outlines how spirituality for Robert has become an anchor. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Sheehan, who shot to fame with Love / Hate, acted this year in Birmingham as Withnail in the theatrical world premiere of Withnail and I based on the 1987 cult film film. 

He was cast in August 2022 to be one of the main villains in the film Red Sonja which is due to be released this year. It's a remake of 1980s film that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Sheehan, who now lives in west Cork, appeared in Reunion written and directed by Mark O’Rowe for the Galway International Arts Festival 2024.

He also features in the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academy which dropped on Netflix on 8 August.