RTE Late Late Show viewers ‘in tears’ as Patrick Kielty bids emotional tribute to mother

RTE’s Late Late Show had viewers across Ireland in tears on Friday night as host Patrick Kielty bid an emotional tribute to his late mother Mary.

Patrick opened Friday night's Late Late Show on a touching note to his mother, who passed away peacefully last Friday at their family home in Dundrum, Co. Down, at the age of 84.

"When you're called Patrick, St Patrick's Day is always special. And the person I have to thank for that and so much more is my mum.

"Sadly, we lost her last week, and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took care of her and took care of our family this week.

“In over 50 years, Mary never missed a Late Late Late Show, and there's no way she'd want me to miss this one for her tonight.”

The St. Patrick’s Day special featured an array of Irish stars, both former and current. The Italia 90 squad reunited 35 years after first qualifying for the World Cup, with memories of the late, great Jack Charlton shared amongst the team.

The cast of Riverdance performed, while Grammy award winner Cian Ducrot took to the stage in a dazzling silver ensemble. B*Witched reunited and the Dancing with the Stars finalists joined Patrick for a rundown of the show.

Putting on a brave face throughout the show, Patrick said that his mother “watched the Late Late Show religiously”. “She loved it so much that she still kept watching even after I got the gig”, he joked.

One viewer posted: “When you lose a parent or sibling, it takes its toll. The emotion is etched on Patrick Kielty's face & in his voice tonight, but when you have a job to do you just have to get on with it. My sympathies to him & his family.”

Another said: “Patrick Kielty l did not expect to be chopping onions at this hour of the night. What a beautiful tribute to your late mum. I bet she's as proud of you as the whole country is right now. RIP Mary.”

Posting to his X account, MEP Ciarán Mullooly said: “A rip-roaring Late Late show with an intro that had us all in tears in our house. Well done Patrick Kielty - Mary would
be so proud.”

“Considering his personal tragedy, @PatricKielty is playing an absolute blinder tonight”, another social media user remarked in response to the presenter’s touching tribute to close the show.

READ MORE | Emotional scenes as RTE Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty carries mother's coffin at funeral