Despite their grip on the popular imagination in 2020, the shorts from Normal People did not reach a high bid.

In July, it was announced that Connell Waldron’s GAA shorts, signed by rising star Paul Mescal himself, were up for auction. Organised in aid of Ukrainian filmmakers, it was expected that the iconic shorts would make a big buck. After all, Mescal’s world-changing chain was sold for 60,000 pounds in 2020.

However, checking in on the auction this week, it looks like the auction did not meet expectations. The bid for Mescal’s shorts started at 500 euros, and was only sold for 550 euros. Similarly, a signed script of Normal People’s first episode and a signed book of Normal People only made 1400 euros and 550 euros respectively.

Of course, 2,500 euros is still a lot of money, and any money going to a good cause is welcome. But considering the popularity of Normal People and the fact that fashion powerhouse Gucci released a pair of shorts remarkably similar to Connell’s, you would think an authentic pair of shorts signed by Mescal would make waves.

The GAA shorts did not make millions. The TV adaptation of Conversations with Friends was not well-received. Is the sad-girl Trinity era behind us? Has Sally Rooney loosened her grip on the creatives of Dublin?

It’s no sweat on Paul Mescal anyway- we hope he enjoys his superstar girlfriend and seaside Cork home.

Elsewhere on District: Listen to Kenny Beats’ debut album ‘LOUIE’