Late Late Show 1997 - Rita

A famous sequence from 1997, when host Gay Byrne spoke with a recently bereaved mother who was chosen at random from among hundreds of thousands of entries for a postal quiz. A unique moment in the history of Irish television.

[@maryfeehan7896]

The kindnesses, empathy, typically irishness which we are sadly losing. 🙏🇮🇪☘️❤️🇮🇪🙏

[@catherinedaly3382]

Ah felt so sorry for that women but rules are rules

[@Padraigp]

​@@catherinedaly3382she was a love! But im sure she was very glad the other lady was picked instead. And that lovely poem. Her daughter was surely sending a message to her mom.

[@DoctorMeatDic]

We're not losing it. The only good thing about Ireland is the people and fuck you for rubbishing them.

[@CraftyOldGit]

I don't think many hosts could have handled that unexpected situation with such grace & compassion.

[@johnpaulveaney3745]

Tommy Tiernan is the only one for me.Sad incident

[@johnwalsh7806]

Handled it. The mans a complete fool.

[@DaithiONUALLAIN-ow3es]

@@johnwalsh7806why did she die !! I don’t blame the woman answering like she did,.

[@Wedding_kqpor]

Except for when he said 'why did she die'

[@philomenavaughan1571]

​@@johnwalsh7806 tobe ,Co62

[@markkettle762]

What an incredible live television moment, and so uniquely irish, Gay Byrne, a nun and a great poet, all finding just the right words, when everyone else is left speechless.

[@michelleoneill1078]

What a beautiful TV show, may God bless you Rita and your beautiful daughter 🙏 may she rest in peace 🙏 .

[@catherinefenlon5800]

P l.pp

[@catherinefenlon5800]

p . K -1 l m hkl

[@jamesxenophon9505]

Everything wrong with Irish TV you mean. Two hours of awkwardness and misery on a Friday evening. As if it's some sort of mortal sin to enjoy yourself at the weekend.

[@paddypenman2682]

@@jamesxenophon9505 What exactly do you mean?

[@peteys2006]

Gay Byrne was an absolute pro. Nobody has been fit to fill that seat.

[@silverkitty2503]

he was a gentleman

[@stephenholmes1036]

Nobody has got near him

[@edmundpower1250]

God help us with kielty 😢

[@michellehealy6346]

I've never watched the show since

[@jackiegriffin255]

Patrick is doing fine, don't be so critical

[@cycleSCUBA]

I was laughing along with the audience at the phone hiccups.....then bang, my jaw dropped and i gasped along with the audience. That poor woman. She held it together so well. May her daughter rest peacefully in Heaven.

[@oliverjumelle]

she passed away in September 2021. she sadly lost 2 more kids since this call.

[@anne-mariecallanan4290]

@@oliverjumelleprob the effect of this caused it may they all rip

[@mikeryan7213]

​@@anne-mariecallanan4290did u ever hear of old age? Like her daughter was 33 in 1997!

[@martinconcannon8028]

Gay Bryne showing tremendous empathy like the great broadcaster that he was.

[@danieldevitt3332]

Tears flowing like a waterfall. So many layers here. The professionalism the empathy ...the sheer openess and engagement. A stunning piece of television history. Mr Byrne was rightly revered. Never mawkish. Always engaged. I just hope Rita knows how future generations see this and feel her loss and long for her to be comforted.

[@babylor1]

Couldn't have said it better. Somewhere in Ireland there is a little lady, who this Christmas morning doesn't know I am crying tears for her and her family. I hope with time she found solace and great comfort in those around her.

[@eddiemurphy2941]

Opooooo

[@lilymoriarty5811]

💔❣

[@johnwalsh7806]

The professionalism? Byrne's an absolute joke.

[@paddypenman2682]

@@johnwalsh7806 I'd hate to see what you'd call a professional then

[@mickdunne981]

RIP 🙏 to Brendan kennelly a legend of a poet

[@babylor1]

I don't think I've ever heard of him. Beautiful poem. I need to go read some of his work.

[@londoncalling151]

@@babylor1 He walked past me a few times outside Trinity when I first went to Dublin in the very early nineties. A gentleman walking off the demons.

[@patkinsella8164]

❤❤❤

[@robertpirsig5011]

Was never a huge fan of Gay Byrne, but he handle this situation amazingly well. The words from Brendan and sister Eileen at the end were beautiful.

[@brendamoore772]

how very sad for that lady, how beautiful the poem, yes, gay's empathy was genuine.

[@anne-mariecallanan4290]

He was brilliant

[@janeyd5280]

That was my first time watching Gay Byrne. I love him from that one fonecall with Rita. Il bet there is no one can fill his shoes. Rip to Linda, Rita, Martin and Gay. I lost my own daughter on Easter Monday 13th April 2020. She was aged 43 yrs.

[@michaelc6828]

Just said my prayer for all here. Gut wrenching, heart breaking and uniquely Irish. RIP to your beautiful Daughter Rita.

[@oliverjumelle]

she died in september 2021. since this call. she lost 2 more kids!

[@kenoneill8783]

RIP to the late great Brendan Kennelly who died just weeks ago on October 17th, 2021, and who's poem could have been commissioned for the circumstances, incredible coincidences all over this incident.

[@robertpirsig5011]

He held the door for me going out of Dunnes one day with a smile on his face. Such a lovely and decent man. RIP Brendan Kennelly.

[@goldielocks2621]

I just watched this episode of the Late Late Show my Wife and I were both watching that night live as it happened the unexpected turn of events you just could not have imagined we went from laughter to floods of tears but watching it now with the added memory of my own sweet brother Martin who only two years later suffered the same terrible fate his life taken away from his young Wife and four young Sons by a careless driver whilst he was walking along the road. I remember the sadness I felt on hearing Rita telling us about the death of her daughter Lynda but I hadn't a clue of the depth of pain Rita was feeling until it came to our home and it really takes your breath away you cannot breath you don't know if you are going to cope or get over such depth of emotion but Rita like me and others will know that the sadness will always stay with us but the depth of pain eases with time. I miss Gay Byrne the quality of the show no longer has that sparkle for me nor the presence of a genius in control Gay was up there with the rest of the World and anyone who was anyone wanted to be on the Late Late Show I pray one day Ireland will find a new Gay Byrne someone who will have that Charisma and pump life back into this once great great show. I once would never miss a Late Late Show and now I never watch one. Rip Gay , Lynda and Martin God keep you all close.

[@digitalmediafan]

I'm sorry for your loss. This is the reason and others I wish the automobile had never been invented. The catastrophe and heartache it continues to inflict is just awful

[@Marlondurran]

Beautifully said my friend..

[@sarahlouisestafford2448]

​@@digitalmediafanit's not the automobile, it's the person driving it.

[@tomhughes8066]

Tragic loss of life by car accident. As I watch this for first time today three victims of car crash alone today. On dear Boy 9 years old hit and run Bundoran and two young 20 year olds passed RIP. Such human suffering for all involved. God give them solice peace and love. Pray for them all. It's been a most difficult year on Irish Roads. My heart goes out to all victims survivors and loved ones attached. Lost for words like Gay in this clip.

[@doh-ray-meproductions4131]

Tears poured down my face. How hard life can be. The reflex of the panel who ran automatically and the audience to rally round her. The coincidence of the first caller not being picked and her card coming up. Gay was a brilliant people's person, and mustered up the support of panel and audience.

[@eilismcgovern6334]

Not a coincidence...

[@willodonnell9969]

What an amazing lady to take the question in memory of her daughter. Gay was fantastic and I’m sat here realising how short and precious life is !! RIP Linda 💚

[@davidking6556]

Never seen this before but Gay Byrne just proves what a professional he was don’t think many of today’s TV Presenters could handle a situation like that

[@christopheroshea9799]

The beauty and sadness of the Irish The magic and the light Broken hearts 💔 tears fall Let this be

[@timjkiely]

only gay byrne could do this with such empathy . a genuine human being RIP sir

[@Michael_Arnold]

24 years later I've just heard this, and am fighting the tears right through.

[@dgoggin2k10]

Not usually fond of poems but that rang true so elegantly there, beautiful.

[@mfphonepics]

December 2021 - I'm a hard man with salty tears rolling down my face for you Rita and your beautiful daughter who is in heaven RIP.

[@portumnadaz]

HANLEY (Togher, Cork): On September 16th, 2021, peacefully, at the Mercy University Hospital. RITA (née McCarthy) late of Shandon Street, dearly loved wife of the late Noel and much loved mother of Steven, Paul, Neal, Valerie, Sonya, and the late David, Lynda and Ruth, and loving sister of Florrie, Chrissy, Len, Alec, Denise and the late Olive and Nuala.

[@davidbosquette2940]

It was a beautiful moment for sure. The poem was just EVERYTHING in that moment when mundane condolences could never prove their worth. Very Irish indeed. Hope the prayers helped to lighten the load for dear Rita. 💔.

[@Magjmcd]

Gaybo was one of the best. A unique technique. Happy Heavenly Christmas.

[@adriannedelacy2100]

Only true professionals and genuine hearts could handle this awful situation so well. I'd say Gay was relieved to have Brendan to call upon for support. May they all rest in peace.

[@gracesanity6314]

Thank you Brenden K..a true Irish soul. Our Uncle Gaybo...talented, gracious. Us Irish do produce such precious brings. Ireland

[@earlybhoy1119]

I remember watching this, one of those moments you never forget. Never seen it since that night.

[@helendaly3311]

They will never be another Gay Byrne. Rip to all of the them 🙏 💔

[@anne-mariecallanan4290]

The last time I watched the late late was when this guy did it he’s an absolute legend can’t be replaced rip to an icon ❤️

[@tom_123]

What an incredible and almost surreal clip. Thank you for tracking it down and uploading it.

[@snowman7487]

Amazing moment. And a great decision to involve the guests, especially the poet.

[@ita7967]

Absolutely heartbreaking 💔 Poor Rita. Rest in peace Linda. 🙏 Gaybo was one of a kind. A true pro.

[@elizabethreilly5513]

Rip all who died in road traffic accidents ♥

[@coogo2]

I watched this as a child..still epic,Gay was a master then

[@stevenoels2757]

I was watching that night, I had forgotten this, but to relive it here now is very powerful. Lovely upload.

[@DoctorMeatDic]

Astonishing television. Gay Byrne one of the greatest. Beautiful words from the Nun and the Poet. Could only happen in Ireland and for that the Irish should be very proud.

[@judgedredd3568]

Ireland The realist place on Earth Lived there From 1981 to 1989 15 yrs to 23 yrs old as my parents were Irish Been back in NYC for 33 yrs now After seeing this show (we never missed it back then) It reminds me of how we were all connected in Ireland...4 million people living in the country and we practically all knew each other or had someone in common...Such a sad unexpected moment handled in the best possible way as the Irish do.. very moved by this...makes me realize I should have never left to return here..I love NYC..but its moments like this that reinforce the fact that I made a bad choice...

[@SuperJimbell]

Maybe you had no choice.

[@judgedredd3568]

@@SuperJimbell I didn't have a choice moving there.. so I resented it at 1st....but looking back....I was too young to appreciate Ireland.... Couldn't afford to move back now..

[@seanoconnell6845]

Thanks so much for sharing this incredible piece of television. Only Gay Byrne could have handled such a tragic situation so professionally and with such ease. To have to clarity of thought to turn to Brendan Kenneally for his beautiful poem at the end...another master of his craft.

[@sineadmoylan1065]

I agree. How he could even come up with the thought of thinking of asking brendan for the Poem, and knowing to clear it with brendan first, as only performers can know if a piece will fit the mood, is a testament to his sensitivity while still remaining in control of all that is going on. Under all those lights, the audience, the time constraint, and knowing the calls he would get on his radio show on Monday morning. You can't teach this.

[@patcoughlan8321]

How can something so sad be so beautiful.

[@tomasjoconnel5367]

Now that's great live television. Its also why GB was the best broadcaster Telefis Eireann has had in its 60 year history.

[@nicholaswarrington9090]

Rita died on September 16th 2021. She outlived three of her eight children.

[@iBaillie]

Thanks for the info.

[@yvonnehyland1753]

Ah God love her! ❤️

[@kevinkelly6479]

God bless you Rita and Linda rest in peace. ❤️❤️❤️Prayers for you 2 angels

[@tommymullen7300]

That break heart

[@anne-mariecallanan4290]

So sad May there all rip ❤❤❤❤

[@mb-vf3qb]

Gay was the late late. It died with him..❤

[@brave_gravity]

This is one of the finest pieces of Irish television I’ve ever seen. I love how everything else melts away in the face of a mother and her unimaginable grief laid bare for everyone to come together in a beautiful moment of humanity. Bless you Rita. And Gay and the panellists too. X

[@drushe1983]

I’ve never seen this before and it was incredibly moving. How we as strangers can show kindness and love and prayer for those in times of need. We don’t appreciate how precious life is and how simple a kind word is to someone. This entire exchange, is incredibly poetic. I love my island nation and I miss it. This makes me feel closer to my homeland.

[@annoneill4169]

Gay Byrne, an amazing host, man & a super human being. I don’t believe in accidents either & Linda was giving her mother a beautiful message. Rest in peace Linda & peace to the heart of your lives mother Rita.

[@lydialily846]

Handled as only Gay could do , I loved the late late when Gay was at the Helm , the guests all participated & audience joined in ,, nothing like it since …

[@anthonym3351]

I was too young to see him in his prime but watching the old episodes I adore him, he's like Irelands grandfather

[@MrCrazyrob666]

The first name they pulled out, Peter Lavelle, had an address on the North Circular road in Limerick and was at the tennis club, likely the Limeick Lawn near the North Circular. That road is a very affluent area of Limerick. By contrast, Rita lived in Togher which would not be considered a very affluent area of Cork. The right person won the prize.

[@shane6115]

Great, I’m delighted.

[@edmundpower1250]

It was meant to be

[@tylarjackson7928]

Thanks for the upload! Far more moving than in text form.

[@kevinsimpson8686]

This guy was and still is a true star. Personable and very talented he sure knew how to keep a crowd happy. I always liked Gilbert and always will. This track has always been my favourite.

[@velvetunderpants44]

I'm so glad this was finally posted I remember it vividly

[@jc9289]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@paddypenman2682]

RIP Brendan Kennelly

[@Irish780]

It was meant to be that's why the first person was not there , and being called second, just proves and shows a miracle

[@digitalmediafan]

Just time and chance imo

[@patrickreals7567]

What an incredible person Gay was will never be replaced RIP Gay

[@danieldoherty8009]

There was only one gay byrne ,a true master of the airwaves, the likes of which will never be seen or heard again .

[@kevinkelly6479]

And gay and brendan too and all the departed R. I. P❤️❤️❤️🍀

[@buddymacbuddington]

Wow that was unexpected, fair play to gay he handled that about as good as anyone could have in that situation I hope that lady found peace

[@TheActualCathal]

Thanks for posting this.

[@anothercomment]

I remember watching this when I was about 12 and trying to hold back the tears, a tv moment you don't forget, so sad for that poor Mother and her family, I hope she's reunited now with her daughter. This was May 1997 one of the last late late shows of the season and Gay handled the situation professionally which completely through him off guard.

[@deemcdonagh3097]

OMG. I remember this so well. So so, sad. R.I.P. Linda.xxxx

[@liamholton8937]

Hearing the pain in Rita's voice as she talked to Gay on the phone, such an amazing woman to have such strength to talk about such a tragedy like that. Hope Rita and her family are at peace these days. May Rita's daughter and Gaybo rest in peace.

[@user-we6fi9se3g]

That was the most amazing few minutes ever on the Late Late , live TV is brilliant

[@SpeccyHorace]

Wow, amazingly handled situation. That poor woman. Not one for religion at all but seemed like truly comforting words from the nun, that was nice. Wonderful poem too, very emotional. Never seen this show in UK, been looking at some clips on KZbin, would have liked something of that quality here.

[@bouse23]

To be fair I don't think any other tv show host. Could or would have handled that so well.

[@ericamccluskey1714]

The beautiful Brendan Kennelly also. So gentle..

[@thomasmorris1762]

Thank you for uploading this.

[@mickdunne981]

I remember watching this the poor mother how heart breaking 💔 😢 to loose her daughter in road accident days before hand.

[@FjS-GLY]

... though we live in a world that dreams of ending. What a line

[@commisarwinter]

He handled that with dignity and class, what a situation to find yourself in.

[@golfman9240]

Different times in 1997...we all miss Uncle Gaybo...and RIP Rita Hanley September 2021..who tragically lost 2 more children since her serendipitous night on The Late Late Show.

[@Success4u247]

This is really compassion . Not like the virus Signalling we have today.

[@welshaccenttutorials3104]

Wow. Tears rolling down my cheeks

[@jasbarsoph]

Only Gay Byrne could handle this situation with absolute professionalism.

[@rotonda4068]

This is incredible television. Literally.

[@allisnotwhatitseems.]

This changed my mind in Gay Byrne. Respect.

[@pj-fn1dv]

Thanks for sharing

[@edmundpower1250]

Tha amazing thing is just before this clip Gay referred to the large container of cards as a coffin. That made it even more eerie 😮

[@MrPaddymarley]

An amazing sensitive segment...love the Irish heart!

[@margaretigoe1445]

Thank you for this.....

[@musiclover6793]

Aw that poor mother hope she enjoyed the prize even though she lost her precious daughter 😢 ❤

[@anne-mariecallanan4290]

Rita passed in 2001 rip

[@kevinkelly3454]

Wow. Randomly came across this. Never knew about this clip. Gay was an amazing presenter and human.

[@alexrobinson3970]

a master class in the p of live tv.

[@francis5326]

I remember this well I was watching the late late show that night very sad on the woman RIP Linda 🙏

[@johnnywhite58]

It's amazing television really.

[@killian0408]

That was certainly no accident she was picked. Amazing stuff

[@colinjoyce4685]

I distinctly remember watching this live in 1997, I was 16.

[@edmundpower1250]

Amazing emotions captured live and could only be handled by one presenter the way it was. Rest in peace to the young lady and Gay

[@daneosullivan1749]

Master class in presenting 💕

[@martinmcdonald4207]

Simply magic TV. Live and Dangerous! R.I.P. Gay.

[@grannymaterielgowrl7832]

My God..how incredible

[@Mojo16011973]

Gay was flustered initially but he handled it so well afterwards.

[@ployonion]

This is unbelievably sad the brutal loss ending of Linda’s life so young at the same time the Camaraderie - everyone trying with their souls to ease this poor woman’s loss! Thinking about Rita & Linda ❤

[@patkinsella8164]

I believe her daughter . 🙏 r.i.p. AMEN her hand picked her card out. A miracle ✨ 🙏 🙌 ❤❤❤

[@marthabergin9023]

So well handled by Gay as only he could. Other guests did well also.

[@RazorMouth]

The odds of that happening is something like 1 in 50 million

[@wanemergency3591]

It's like I watch this yesterday. Well it actually was yesterday coming to think of it

[@liammacaodha4783]

Unreal coincidence. A wonderful Irish response.

[@hughjass8430]

Incredible television. Yes, Gay was one of a kind and few could handle that situation better, but it goes beyond the host. Everything is so much cheaper now. Commodified. The modern Late Late, no matter who hosts, will never again see moments like this. And there were many similar moments over the years. Just a simpler, more genuine time.

[@MakeArtForLife]

I am lost for words but to hear how this lady was able to go on was good for her duaghters memory. Hope she got a poem sent to her she was very brave.

[@Marlondurran]

Incredible

[@ciaranbrady1676]

just brilliant

[@dr7858]

Gay Byrne what an absolute legend the way he handles this situation what a pro. Rip