"Just as the man himself would have had it"
On Monday the legendary broadcaster and national treasure that is Gay Byrne passed away at the age of 85. There has been an outpouring of tributes to the man in the days since.
Gay Byrne was the first and longest-serving presenter of 'The Late Late Show'. It was therefore only fitting that there be a special edition of the show presented in his name, and it aired last night.
The live special included contributions from Gay’s many friends and colleagues over the years. Bob Geldof, Andrea Corr, Pat Kenny, John Sheahan, Michael D. Higgins and Mary McAleese were among those to make appearances.
The show opened with some heartwarming footage of the talk show host and in the end, it went over time. But no one minded and viewers at home praised the fitting tribute.
This show, and Gay Byrne's legacy, demonstrates what a wonderful, strange, backwards, forwards, special country we live in. How far we have come, how far we have to go#latelate #LateLateShow
— Colette Sexton (@colette_sexton) November 5, 2019
We're all at a wake tonight. And the warmth is wholly merited. #GayByrne #LateLateShow #LateLate
— Dermot Keyes (@DermotKeyes) November 5, 2019
This #LateLate was so wonderfully Irish. It was supposed to end at 11.05, but it’s been funny, sentimental and emotional, and we still were on the step of the front door 40 minutes later, saying goodbye but not meaning it at all.
That’s who we are. #LateLateShow #ThePartingGlass— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) November 5, 2019
Very much fitting that the Gaybo tribute #LateLateShow is running at least half an hour over the allotted time, just as the man himself would have had it
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) November 5, 2019
This has to be the best episode of the #Latelateshow since Gay actually hosted it. #latelate
— MarieSCS (@ScsMarie) November 5, 2019
The Irish handle death like no other nation. Cracking #LateLateShow https://t.co/5L9pd8gqjC
— Calvin Kelly (@Cal_Kelly_46) November 6, 2019
Tonight’s #LateLateShow is the most fitting of tributes to Gay Byrne - a fantastic gathering of Irish voices. 🦉
— Tommy Rooney (@TomasORuanaidh) November 5, 2019
Some were left baffled by that Nell McCafferty incident.
Touching tribute from Nell Mccafferty #LateLateShow pic.twitter.com/GglhU689sz
— Gary O'Reilly (@Goreilly1) November 5, 2019
What's going on with Nell????!!!#latelateshow
— ᒍEᖇ ᗪI᙭Oᑎ 🎙🎤 (@jezzadixon) November 5, 2019
Is Nell McCafferty okay? 👀 #LateLate #LateLateShow
— Carole (Ducky) (@IrPsych) November 5, 2019
On the other hand, everyone was loving Mike Murphy.
Mike Murphy is the epitome of cool. #LateLate #LateLateShow
— Leopold Bloom (@leopoldbarnacle) November 5, 2019
Maybe it's the socks or the super-relaxed, mischievous stance, but Mike Murphy always gives me such serious Bill Murray vibes. Love it. #latelateshow pic.twitter.com/LXZWE3UWww
— Nadine O'Regan (@NadineORegan) November 5, 2019
And there were a few jokes about how confusing it was having an episode of the 'Late Late Show' mid-week.
The entire country will assume its Saturday and sleep in tomorrow #LateLateShow
— Sinéad Crowley (@SineadCrowley) November 5, 2019
We’re all going to be fierce confused tomorrow. Thinking it’s Saturday. #LateLateShow #Gaybo
— Barbara Scully (@barbarascully) November 5, 2019
You can check out some of the highlights of the episode below:
The opening to The Late Late Show Gay Byrne Tribute. #LateLate pic.twitter.com/sF7ukfLOOo
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 5, 2019
President Michael D Higgins joins Ryan to speak about the late great Gay Byrne. #LateLate pic.twitter.com/MiZUYDdX4j
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 5, 2019
The 'Taboo Breaking' Gay Byrne! #LateLate pic.twitter.com/sfEVmjsj6S
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 5, 2019
"Nobody listened better than Gay Byrne".#LateLate pic.twitter.com/YkMrd0cpbQ
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 5, 2019