For the preceding six years, Father Stone has visited the parochial house; he is pathologically boring and is totally unable to hold a conversation, giving one-sentence answers at the most and dominating the room with his awkward protracted silences.
At the local hospital, Father Stone is found to be in shock: standing up, still holding the golf club, and not responding to any stimulus.
Ted begins praying at Father Stone's bedside, saying that Paul can stay for as long as he wants, that he will look after him "for the rest of his days".
[2] Linehan and Mathews clashed with the art department on this episode: the writers wanted the show's hospitals and police stations modern, to contrast with Craggy Island's environs, but they ended up looking similarly rural and beaten-down.
[2] Kate Binchy, the actress who played Father Stone's mother, became ill shortly before filming was due to begin.
McLynn was prepared to play the part, and was in full make-up and costume on the day of filming; however, Binchy recovered at the last minute and was able to take the role.