Gabriel to Neil: I CAN DO THAT TOO...

NEIL Jordan isn't the only one in Irish film with literary leanings (see adjoining story). Gabriel Byrne's Pictures In My Head (Roberts Rinehart publishers/$19.95) is a charming, anecdotal memoir, tracing the actor's life and career from childhood in Dublin through his years as a seminary student, impoverished actor, television star, and eventual breakthrough into Hollywood.

Byrne writes gracefully, with wit and humor, and discusses his relationships, family lie and the business of movie-making with an endearing honesty. By turns hilarious and touching, Byrne's unassuming autobiography hints at the presence of talents that may eventually lead beyond the screen and onto the page.

AWAY from the printed, Gabriel-Byrne had a busy week during a short stay in New York, which include the guest-hosting of NBC-TV's `Saturday Night Live,' an interview on PBS' `Charlie Rose Show' and, of course, a commercial for ABC's `Monday Night Football.'

`Monday Night Football'?

That's right. `Monday Night Football.' This is not a typo.

The Dublin actor agreed to become an unlikely promoter of the NFL (presumably he was paid for the job) and the commercial was filmed at the `Charles Rose' studios. One must appreciate that the notion of the Byrne the brooder and the often-grave Mr. Charlie Rose shilling for the likes of NFL games is like Henry Kissinger promoting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

"He [Byrne] was very low-key of course, and the director had to keep asking him to get, well, a little more excited....," said a friend who witnessed the bizarre taping.

The bit started with Charlie Rose, on location at his normal, stark interview set, turning to Byrne and stating, "We have as our guest tonight Gabriel Byrne; Mr. Byrne, I have a question for you...."

"- Well Charlie," Byrne interrupts, turning to face the camera, "I have a question for you. Are you ready...for...Monday Night Football?!?!"

Presumably, ABC will be airing the spot in the near future.

Byrne seemed equally not-a-ease on `Saturday Night Live,' on which he delivered a monologue while a SNL cast member danced in the background, dressed as a potato. (Byrne is Irish - get it?)