Dustin the Turkey

Dustin the Turkey is one of Ireland’s most recognizable television characters. Created and operated by Johnny Morrison, he made his first appearance in the late 1980s on The Den, a popular children’s television show on RTÉ. With his distinct Dublin accent and sharp wit, Dustin quickly became a fan favorite, often delivering humorous and satirical commentary that extended beyond children’s programming. Over the years, he interacted with various presenters, including Ray D’Arcy and Ian Dempsey, as well as fellow puppet characters Zig and Zag. His popularity grew, and he became a central figure in Irish entertainment.

As his role expanded, Dustin moved beyond The Den and ventured into television shows aimed at a broader audience. One of his most notable projects was Dustin’s Daily News, a satirical news-style program that aired between 2005 and 2007 on RTÉ Two. Throughout his career, he frequently appeared on Irish chat shows and comedy programs, where he often engaged in humorous exchanges with politicians, musicians, and other public figures.

In addition to television, Dustin also pursued a music career, releasing several albums that combined humor with elements of Irish culture, sports, and politics. His releases, such as Dustin Unplucked and Faith of Our Feathers, performed well in the Irish charts and reinforced his status as a pop culture figure. His music often parodied well-known songs, blending comedy with catchy melodies.

In 2008, Dustin gained international attention when he was selected to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Irelande Douze Pointe.” The entry was a tongue-in-cheek take on Eurovision voting patterns and stereotypes, reflecting his signature comedic style. Despite not qualifying for the final, the performance remains one of Ireland’s most memorable Eurovision moments.

Following his Eurovision appearance, Dustin continued to make public appearances, though his presence on television became less frequent. In 2010, he was part of RTÉ’s The Once a Week Show, appearing in a segment where he interviewed guests in his typical satirical style. In later years, he returned for special broadcasts, including reunion specials of The Den. When RTÉ revived The Den in 2020 as part of a family-friendly nostalgia series, Dustin reunited with Ray D’Arcy, Zig, and Zag, bringing his humor to a new generation of viewers.