Entertainment

Here's why the Mattress Mick documentary kept Ireland up late last night

IRELAND went to bed a little later than usual last night – and all because this man was on the telly.

Michael Flynn, the self-crowned king of beds who is otherwise known as Mattress Mick, was trending on Twitter last night after RTÉ aired a documentary charting his attempt to save his struggling mattress business.

"I'm not going to bed yet, I have to watch the end of the Mattress Mick show." Definitely the first time I've said that... #MattressMen

— John O'Toole (@johnnyotoole) 26 October 2017

Having been hit badly by the recession in Ireland, the 60-something set out to reinvent himself as an eccentric online personality called Mattress Mick guided by his friend Paul Kelly.

Mattress Man in one of his many colourful outfits

But while Flynn’s larger than life online persona – he dresses up as a mattress and drives a DeLorean - might suggest a laugh a minute caper, the film is actually a look at the realities of working class Dublin through Kelly’s eyes.

The film, entitled Mattress Men, centres around Kelly, an in-debt videographer who is living with his family in inner city Dublin, and his efforts to make Mick an internet star.

Videographer Paul Kelly

Mattress Mick first captured the Irish public’s attention – as well as some high-profile fans including Stephen Fry - a number of years ago when he began posting videos on Youtube.

One day I hope to meet Mattress Mick. I think we'll have lots to discuss. Mattresses for example. And prices. pic.twitter.com/1aKChzZXWq

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) 12 February 2015

His celebrity soon began to rise – and the result is a poignant yet touching film that looks at friendship and the everyday struggles of two Irish men.

Mattress Man Michael Flynn

Here's what people where saying about Mattress Men on Twitter...

I didn't expect to spend the evening glued to a Mattress Mick documentary. It's pretty tremendous.

— Mike Morris (@MD_Morris) 26 October 2017

This is a very sad documentary, really thought provoking #mattressmick

— Sinead Fahy (@OhnoSinead) 26 October 2017

Mattress Mick and Paul kelly.#inspirational #mattressmick

— mark Phelan (@markyjpmark) 26 October 2017

#ImpeachmentReferendum prevented #MattressMen from trending number one in Ireland tonight.
I demand a rerun for @mattressmick!

— Fionnuala Moran (@FionnualaMoran) 27 October 2017

@mattressmick time to acknowledge the value of Paul Kelly... I hope someone poaches him and gives him the contract he deserves #MattressMen

— mary mcg (@marydonegal79) 26 October 2017