Ulster Hall Sells Out as Stand-Up for Integrated Education Raises Over £16,000

On 08 October some of Northern Ireland’s best-known comedians took to the stage at the Ulster Hall for the annual Stand-Up for Integrated Education Comedy Night, helping to raise over an amazing £16,000 to support the growth and development of Integrated Education in Northern Ireland.

Now in its ninth year, Stand-Up for Integrated Education has become a firm fixture in the comedy calendar, bringing together top local talent in support of the work of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF).

This year’s audience enjoyed performances from home-grown comedians Tim McGarry, Colin Murphy, Emer Maguire and Dave Elliott.  There was also a surprise guest appearance by Shane Todd.

Downpatrick’s finest, Colin Murphy, returned to compère the evening. Colin has been a regular on radio and tv for over twenty years, including as resident panellist on the BBC’s The Blame Game.  Musical powerhouse Emer Maguire returns to the Comedy Night following rave reviews of her appearance last year.

New to the Stand-Up for Integrated Education Comedy Night, Dave Elliott is one of the leading acts on the Northern Irish comedy circuit.  He is a regular at the acclaimed Lavery’s and the ‘Empire Laughs Back’ comedy clubs.

A surprise addition to the line-up was Shane Todd.  Shane is best known for his stand-up comedy and the popular Tea With Me podcast, which is known for its local banter and entertaining guest interviews.

Tim McGarry, best known for playing Da in Give My Head Peace and hosting The Blame Game, brought his 32 years of comic experience to the evening along with his acerbic take on all things local. 

Tim McGarry said:

“I’m delighted to be back in the Ulster Hall to help raise funds for the important work of the Integrated Education Fund.  It’s fantastic to see a new generation of top comedians such as Dave and Emer rallying to support Integrated Education, alongside our favourite MC Colin Murphy. It was a night full of silliness, satire, and deep belly laughs, all in aid of a good cause.”

Chief Executive of the IEF, Paul Caskey OBE, said:

“The IEF would like to thank each comedian for generously giving of their time to support Stand-Up for Integrated Education 2026.  We also want to thank everyone who came along and bought a ticket. Every pound raised will help the IEF to continue to support the growth and development of Integrated Education all across Northern Ireland.’