"His willy, cut off his willy."
Ireland is a land of poets and scholars, but in the history of our country, it's arguable that no finer words have been written.
Well, that and “Geronimo, do you know what you are? You’re a tosspot.”
While sporting rivalries resume this weekend, the ultimate parochial rivalry in Irish cinematic history will be relived on the TV screens this week.
Oh yes, it's all out carnage as the lads from Ballydowse and Carrickdowse square-off.
For those that aren't aware, The War Of the Buttons evolves around the children of two fictional villages in Ireland, Ballydowse and Carrickdowse.
It's all-out war when The Ballys take on The Carricks.
Like most local rivalries, both sets of kids engage in battles and skirmishes in which they cut off the buttons, shoe-laces, belts and braces of their captured opponents.
They go to battle in mass groups of dozens, wielding sticks & slingshots. It's a battle of strategic skills for the opposing leaders and everyone wants their trophies. After all, bragging rights aren't the only thing that are up for grabs.
However, their childish skirmishes are indicative of a far bigger schism and secrets that exist between their parents.
Based on the French novel Les Guerre des Boutons by Louis Pergaud, the film boasts one hell of a cast with the likes of Colm Meaney, Liam Cunningham, Ger Ryan, Pat Laffan, Frank Kelly, Dervla Kirwan, and Johnny Murphy all starring.
Filmed in various locations around West Cork including Skibbereen, Union Hall, Castletownshend, and Rosscarbery, John Roberts' film has become a cult-classic for Irish viewers.
Aside from this, Fergus and Marie are still the perfect Irish couple, right?
You can relive the nostalgia when War Of The Buttons airs at 15.45 on RTÉ1 on Sunday, September 13.
Clip via Motley
