Patrick Kielty dedicates Late Late to his mother Mary

Patrick Kielty paid a beautiful tribute to his late mother Mary on Friday's Late Late Show, dedicating the St Patrick's Day special to her.

Mary Kielty died peacefully at her home in Dundrum, Co Down last Saturday at the age of 84. Her funeral took place on Monday.

On Friday night, after taking viewers around the world for the best of Irish dancing and bringing Riverdance into the studio, Patrick Kielty opened the show by 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 week, and I just want 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," he continued. "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."

On the night, the "best of Irish" show featured members of the Italia 90 squad, the Dancing with the Stars finalists, singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot, and B*Witched as guests.