Joe.ie Ross McCarney is preparing to host Beavertown Soundtrack Stories at Whelan’s on 7 October alongside comedian Meg Reilly, fresh off securing an upcoming RTÉ television show with his sketch-writing partner Ryan Carrick. The 28-year-old works a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule while producing viral social media content that has changed the landscape of comedy in Ireland.
McCarney and Carrick are frequently recognized on South Great George’s Street in Dublin city centre by young fans reciting their recurring sketches. Their satirical output has occasionally crossed international borders, including a tongue-in-cheek ‘sunburn competition’ that a Spanish broadcaster picked up. Despite reaching massive audiences across TikTok and Instagram, McCarney maintains a grounded perspective on his digital footprint.
Digital Virality and the Reality of 9-to-5 Comedy
Operating out of the Joe.ie offices for just over two years, McCarney represents a new breed of salaried digital comedian. Unlike traditional freelancers who chase sporadic live gigs, he logs steady hours from 9am to 5.30pm. Prior to his current role, he worked behind-the-scenes video production jobs at Virgin Media TV and retail positions at Arnotts, gradually building his comedic timing through stand-up and improv classes in his own time.
The daily routine at Joe.ie relies on rapid turnaround times and immediate cultural responsiveness. Every morning, the creative team gathers to brainstorm sketches anchored to current news topics and public conversations. For instance, when fuel costs spiked, they produced a sketch featuring commuters substituting cars with bikes, Flikers, and children’s push cars.
McCarney points out the sheer accessibility of modern media as the driving force behind their unprecedented reach. Everyone’s online,
he noted, explaining Everyone’s on their phone, so it makes sense that it’s being consumed the same way that anything else would, and TV as well. It’s definitely factored in as a form of comedy, and it’s weirdly important. I guess it’s because you can reach an audience so fast.
Balancing Screen Satire with Live Stage Performances
While daily digital output remains the core of his employment, McCarney and his colleagues are increasingly expanding into live entertainment. Ryan Carrick recently announced a debut headline comedy show at The Sugar Club, while McCarney steps up to host the upcoming Beavertown event at Whelan’s alongside Meg Reilly.
McCarney expressed genuine enthusiasm for the upcoming gig, stating, I’m really buzzing for this. It’s gonna be really good fun.
He described the event as a storytelling night, but it’s got the atmosphere of, I suppose, a pub night.
The evening will feature live musical performances from the Cork band Cardinals and hip-hop artist Chameleon, who will discuss their creative origins alongside audience members sharing personal stories.
Rather than viewing the audience interaction as a daunting task, McCarney trusts the natural wit of the crowd. I think the funniest people are people that aren’t trying to be funny but are just like naturally telling a story the way they would, and especially in Ireland where everyone is so funny,
he observed, adding, I feel like there’s a lot of good organic craic that can come out of this.
Dealing With Surreal Public Recognition
Transitioning from a behind-the-scenes crew member to a recognizable public face has brought surreal moments for the young creator. Fans frequently approach him on Dublin streets to quote his viral lines, a phenomenon that still catches him off guard during his daily routine.
You forget that people watch the videos,
McCarney admitted. You kind of just are making them and forget that people are watching them, and it’s great when you see that people like them. It’s just making videos online. It doesn’t feel like a real thing. I guess it’s surreal because we’re just making them as easy as anyone else put on our phone or whatever. So yeah, it is bizarre, but it’s a lot of fun.
Maintaining high energy for comedy while keeping a structured 9-to-5 office job requires balance, but McCarney embraces the unique demands of his profession without complaint. Getting to do silly stuff for a job is kind of a dream. I’m embracing it with both hands. I’m not a very serious person,
he said. I guess you can’t always be silly, but in my normal life, I’m a normal human being. I don’t drive around in a clown car or whatever. It is a very joyous kind of line of work, so I do love it.
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