Ireland is rich in things that should be pretty easy to do, but end up not working at all - the rollout of any kind of large-scale infrastructure programme; buying an appropriate amount of bread during a storm; picking a midfield without Cyrus Christie.
Conversely, there is one thing that we get right in spite of all evidence showing that it shouldn't work at all - The Late Late Toy Show.
The concept is completely mental, but for some reason, it just....works.
One of this year's most heartwarming moments lent itself to being reported by this here Reputable Irish Sports Website.
Eight-year-old Scott went through a bone marrow transplant operation in order to save the life of his six-year-old cousin Grace, and both appeared on last night's show. Scott's a big rugby fan, so the show did what it does best: surprise Scott with the appearance of three of his rugby heroes - Tadhg Furlong, Sean O'Brien and Rob Kearney.
Furlong handed over a signed Irish jersey, O'Brien invited Scott to the captain's run before the Six Nations game against France, while Kearney invited Scott along to the game itself.
More powerful than the gestures were Kearney's words.
This is a real-life hero here. People call us heroes on the rugby field, but you're the real hero. Good man, we are very proud of you.
You can watch it below.
"I wanted to save her life"
Absolute hero Scott who donated bone marrow to his little cousin Grace gets a few surprises.#LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/xn9dWNgv8k
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) December 1, 2018
Here's a slice of some of the reaction.
New friends backstage 💚#LateLateToyshow pic.twitter.com/90WwwraJpO
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) December 1, 2018
Okay. Tears. @KearneyRob called it. That wee boy is a real hero. #TheLateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/eDGQIpqbmo
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 30, 2018
Brilliant gesture from @KearneyRob, @SeanOBrien1987, @tadhgfurlong and @IrishRugby to acknowledge a hero like Scott and his cousin Grace on the #LateLateToyShow! 👏👏
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) November 30, 2018
Scott and Grace have me in tears. What a brave and selfless hero he is! Wow that boy deserves the world and more. #LateLateToyShow
— Caroline Nic Aodha (@Caramcq) December 1, 2018
Accurate representation of me watching Scott and Grace right now #latelatetoyshow pic.twitter.com/w6yJvHN4gQ
— Elaine (@ElaineKelly82) November 30, 2018
