The much anticipated debut of Patrick Kielty as host of The Late Late Show got off to a promising start this evening, as he endeared himself to viewers with a powerful opening monologue.
The County Down man became the fourth permanent host of the show, following in the footsteps of Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, and Ryan Tubridy.
Kielty entered the stage to rapturous applause, cracking a few jokes, including one which involved him referring to the house band as 'Grant Thornton and The Flip Flops', in reference to the recent RTE scandal which uncovered some of the station's reckless spending.
He then went onto describe the special place that The Late Late Show has within his family, having watched it since the days of Gay Byrne.
When he went to thank the audience, you could hear the emotion in his voice, as came close to tears.
It's funny how things work out. There's no way I ever thought I'd be standing here this evening, but I am so so happy I am.
Thanks for joining me and it truly is an honour of a life time to be able to say, 'welcome to the Late Late Show'.
Patrick Kielty Delivers A Poignant Opening Late Late Show Monologue
The emotion in his voice 🥲 #LateLateShow #patrickkielty pic.twitter.com/iIVhCOqcnQ
— Patricia Devlin (@trishdevlin) September 15, 2023
Ha, fair play to @PatrickKielty and @TheGrantThornton&TheFlipflops.. super opening #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/r2LVXW2pNK
— Nicola Donnelly (@nikkide2012) September 15, 2023
Kevin Backhurst watching the jokes about RTÉ #latelate #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/GaoQEQtLwq
— Graham Patchell (@GrahamPatchell) September 15, 2023
So, so, so routing for Patrick Kielty on the Late Late Show - he really does come across as a truly decent human being despite the tragedy he's endured. #LateLateShow
— Patrick Kelly (@paddyjkelly) September 15, 2023
READ HERE: The 7 Cringiest Moments During Ryan Tubridy's Time As Host Of The Late Late Show
The first guests up on the show were comedians Tommy Tiernan and Hector Ó hEochagáin, and Laura Blewitt, who together host The Tommy, Hector & Laurita podcast.
They were then joined by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, who spoke eloquently about the peace process in Northern Ireland and gave a mention to Kielty's father, Jack, who was murdered by the UDA in 1988.
Following that, Tullamore dance group Chasing Abbey performed their latest single, Oh My Johnny, and The Two Johnnies were interviewed as well.
What a brilliant history lesson by former Irish President Mary McAleese tonight about this island and what those in the north suffered. The special mention to Patrick Kielty’s father was so poignant #LateLateShow
— Patricia Devlin (@trishdevlin) September 15, 2023
Whatever about the guests now, that was a really solid opening for Patrick Kielty. Squeezed the RTE jokes almost indecently far, but hit a tone that surely got the audience on his side.
— Adrian Weckler (@adrianweckler) September 15, 2023
