"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.

 

Some were left baffled by that Nell McCafferty incident.

 

On the other hand, everyone was loving Mike Murphy.

 

And there were a few jokes about how confusing it was having an episode of the 'Late Late Show' mid-week.

 

You can check out some of the highlights of the episode below: