'Police Academy' star sounds out Navan

Strange noises emanated from Boylesports' shop on Cannon Row in Navan last week as a Hollywood star paid the store a visit. Michael Winslow, most famous for his role as Sgt Larvelle Jones in the 'Police Academy' series of movies, was in town to film an online video for Ireland's largest independent bookmaker. Dubbed 'the Man of 10,000 Sound Effects', Winslow spent Wednesday morning recording the commercial which will be launched this autumn. One of four Boylesports shops in Navan, the Cannon Row store certainly impressed the American star who commented that "this must be the posh bookies". The actor, who will soon appear in Police Academy 8, didn't waste any time exploring the town. During a break in filming Winslow had breakfast in O'Flaherty's pub, while his wife did some shopping in Albany Home. He also regaled locals on Trimgate Street with a series of impressive sound effects as they explored the town's main street. Boylesports shop manager, Lisa Martin, said: "There was a great buzz around the shop when he visited. Some customers had to do a double-take when they saw him. He was certainly impressed by our facilities and said that they don't have anything like our shops in the States". Michael Winslow is famed for his ability to make realistic sound effects using only his voice. His first television appearance was on The Gong Show in which he squeezed in spot-on sound-alikes of Benji the movie dog, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin's 'Immigrant Song'. He is best known for his role as Sgt Larvelle 'Motor Mouth' Jones in the Police Academy series of movies and TV shows. Boyleports now have 180 shops nationwide, including seven in Meath. The others Boylesports shops in Navan are located on Watergate Street, Kennedy Row and Johnstown Shopping Centre.