The Late Late Show returned last night for its first episode of 2020.
Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, made an appearance discussing topics ranging from post-presidency life to religion and Brexit.
Architect Dermot Bannon of Room To Improve chatted through the process of renovating his own home, while Nathan Carter performed alongside The High Kings for the evening’s live musical entertainment.
Ryan later spoke to Kathleen Keyes from Bray, Co Wicklow. Opening up about the loss of her three children, viewers were moved by her strength and bravery.
Amazing interview , this lady #KathleenKeyes is the best guest the #LateLateShow have had on in years … #Grief
— Jimmy Stafford (@JimmystaffordDJ) January 3, 2020
As a parent of 3 wonderful kids the idea of losing all 3 to serious illness is beyond my capacity to comprehend, Kathleen's strength in coping with so much pain is humbling #LateLateShow
— Mark Smyth (@psychpolis) January 3, 2020
The strength of this woman is on another level.#KathleenKeys#LateLateShow#latelate
— Caolán Mc Aree (@Caolanmcaree) January 3, 2020
The show also paid tribute to the late great Marian Finucane – interviewing a number of her contemporaries and friends, they fondly remembered her life and career.
Beginning the tribute with a short montage of her best work, Ryan was joined by Clare Duignan, Claire Byrne, Olivia O’Leary and Maureen Gaffney. Along with an audience full of fans and supporters, all wishing to honour her memory.
Speaking of how she “changed the face of Irish broadcasting”, Marian was remembered as one of the first women to break through into Irish radio – changing public opinion as she did so.
Listening to #LateLateShow panel remembering Marian Finucane and it reminds me why I adore the medium of radio. Broadcasters like Marian, so special. How powerful just one voice can be. That radio connection, listening, telling stories, sharing stories. Rest in Peace Marian
— Alan Swan (@alanswan) January 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/WaxySpuds/status/1213220546709774344
https://twitter.com/jane_boland/status/1213224221754765313
Lovely tribute to Marian Finucane on the #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/b2EUrrKiwa
— Dáithí K (@tvcritics) January 3, 2020
A “mother, friend, wife and pioneer”, it was a fitting send-off to Marian Finucane – one of the country’s finest broadcasters.
