Patrick Kielty Joins Rory McIlroy as Guest Host on Late Late Show
The Late Late Show is back with a bang, and Patrick Kielty is taking the reins for his second series as the host of the iconic talk show. The Dundrum presenter kicked off the new series in style, entertaining a lively audience on Friday night with his trademark humor. Along with his usual charm, Kielty introduced a new segment called the Late Late Legend Award, which aims to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact in Ireland and beyond.
The premiere episode of the series featured a star-studded lineup, including comedian John Bishop, members of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams, folk music legends John Sheahan and Phil Coulter, as well as viral sensations Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew. The latter group was honored with the inaugural Late Late Legend Award for their hit song “The Spark,” which garnered over a billion views worldwide during the summer.
One of the highlights of the show was a prerecorded segment with golfing superstar Rory McIlroy, who joined Kielty from the fairway. Dressed in his finest golf attire, McIlroy discussed his recent return home, his experience at the Olympics, and his support for the Cancer Fund for Children. Reflecting on his performance at the Tokyo Olympics amidst the challenges of the pandemic, McIlroy shared, “Tokyo during Covid was hard to get the real Olympic experience but Paris this year was incredible.”
As the conversation turned to McIlroy’s participation in the Irish Open, the golfer revealed that playing in front of his home fans brings a sense of relief rather than added pressure. Despite the expectations that come with competing on home soil, McIlroy emphasized the importance of enjoying the game and appreciating the support of his fans. Touching on the personal challenges he faced this year, including his divorce proceedings, McIlroy opened up about the need to take a break and prioritize his well-being.
The episode also featured a nostalgic moment as Kielty shared a clip from 26 years ago, showcasing a young McIlroy’s golf skills. The two lifelong Manchester United fans engaged in a friendly competition, with McIlroy ultimately besting Kielty and forcing him to wear a Liverpool jersey. The light-hearted banter between the hosts added a playful touch to the show.
In addition to the engaging interviews and entertaining segments, the episode also revealed the date for this year’s highly anticipated Late Late Toy Show, scheduled for December 6. Viewers can now apply to be part of the show, which promises to be a festive and heartwarming event for all.
Looking ahead, the Late Late Show promises more exciting guests and captivating moments in the upcoming episodes. Fans can tune in next Friday night at 9.35pm on RTÉ and RTÉ Player to catch all the latest updates and entertainment.
As the show continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, heartwarming stories, and engaging interviews, Patrick Kielty and his guests are set to deliver yet another unforgettable season of the Late Late Show. Stay tuned for more surprises, laughter, and inspiration as the series unfolds.