Tiernan scooped the prize with his first hour-long show at Edinburgh, entitled UN-divine comedy.

The show is based on stories inspired by memories of his Irish childhood.

'Off my box'

Tommy Tiernan: inspired by his Irish childhood

Tiernan was presented with the award by 1995 Perrier winner Jenny Eclair.

"Thank you very much, it's an honour ... and I am now going to get off my box," he said to the cheering crowd.

The comic was tipped for the top after winning the So You Think You're Funny? award two years ago.

Father Kevin

Tiernan has also has appeared on C4's Gas; the BBC's The Stand Up Show and co-starred in the cult series Father Ted as Father Kevin - the manic-depressive.

At the post-award party he joked that he was now planning to give up comedy in favour of the more sedate pursuit of gardening.

Not much chance of that happening. Tiernan is now likely to become even hotter property. He said he was working with his agent to field the TV requests.

"Together we shall conquer the world, " he said with a grin.

Click here for a report on how the past winners of the Perrier Award have fared.