RTE star Patrick Kielty got emotional as he paid a touching tribute for his late mum on air.
The Down native returned on air tonight after the death of his mum Mary.
Patrick paid an emotional tribute dedicated to his mum tonight[/caption]
Mary, who was aged in her 80s, passed away peacefully at her home in Co Down on Saturday, March 8.
A death notice described Mrs Kielty as a “loving mother” and “devoted grandmother” and added that she “will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her entire family circle, neighbours and friends”.
Mary Kielty is survived by her three sons, Patrick, John and Cahal.
Kielty’s father John ‘Jack’ Kielty was murdered at 44-years-old by the Ulster Freedom Fighters in 1988 during the Troubles.
The funeral took place on Monday at 1pm in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Dundrum.
And while Patrick grieves the loss of his beloved mum, he decided to return on air tonight for the St Patrick’s Day episode of the Late Late Show in dedication of her.
At the beginning of the show, Patrick got choked up as he paid a tearful tribute to Mary saying: “When you’re called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day is always special.
“And the person I have to thank for that, and so much more, is my mum.
“Sadly we lost her last weekend and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took care of her and took care of our family this week.
“My mum watched this show religiously and she loved it so much. She still kept watching even after I got the gig!
“In over 50 years, Mary never missed a Late Late show and there was no way she’d want me to miss this one for her tonight.
“And so I couldn’t be prouder to stand here and say, this one’s for you Mary. Welcome to the Late Late Show.”
RTE viewers were left in tears after watching the heart-wrenching speech and flooded social media with support.
Niall tweeted: “Oh I’m quite emotional.”
One viewer wrote: “Well said, Paddy. Emotional fella.”
Susan commented: “Patrick that was a lovely tribute to your mum and you’re a true professional to step up tonight to the show. RIP Mary.”
Eamon added: “Jesus Kielty boy you had a tear in my eye there. Well said.”
