Whether it’s The Late Late Show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, or Kelly, we all have our favourite Irish TV talk show. Here are some memorable moments broadcast throughout the years.
From the cutest kids saying the funniest things to awkward slips of the tongue, these are the ten most iconic Irish talk show moments you need to witness.
The Irish are known for their laidback nature, their charming wit and humour, and their undeniable gift of the gab, making them the perfect talk show hosts and guests.
With plenty of iconic and entertaining moments to choose from, we are rounding up just some memorable moments that live rent-free in our heads.
- Whether it’s The Late Late Show, The Tommy Tiernan Show, or Kelly, we all have our favourite Irish TV talk show. Here are some memorable moments broadcast throughout the years.
- 10. “Any craic?” “Níl.” – an iconic Toy Show moment
- 9. JohnJoe Brennan – Ireland’s youngest literary critic
- 8. The fastest reel in the west – back to the 1970s
- 7. Nadine Coyle loves “baking and stuff, working with flour” – ah, we love our wee Nadine, so we do
- 6. Jack Nicholson look-alike on the Ray D’Arcy Show – the audience can’t handle the truth
- 5. An unimpressed competition winner humiliates Pat Kenny – not interested in the Toy Show
- 4. The legendary audience member on The Saturday Night Show – this man is always ready for his close-up
- 3. Ryan Tubridy drops the F-bomb on the Toy Show – it just slipped out
- 2. Adam King’s virtual hug – one of the most heartwarming moments in Irish TV history
- 1. The strongest Irish accent you’ve ever heard – even the Irish can’t understand
10. “Any craic?” “Níl.” – an iconic Toy Show moment
The Late Late Toy Show is one of the best-loved shows to grace Irish television, with families gathering every Christmas to watch the spectacle together.
Wholesome festive vibes and heartwarming moments are guaranteed, just like this adorably hilarious moment with little Alex Meehan.
Out he comes on his tractor, looking like a true Irish farmer. Impressing with his Irish language skills, host Ryan Tubridy asks, “Any craic?” to which Meehan replies, “Níl”.
9. JohnJoe Brennan – Ireland’s youngest literary critic
In another adorable moment from The Late Late Toy Show, Roald Dahl fan JohnJoe Brennan gives an impressive overview of why the children’s author is his favourite.
After speaking to Tubridy, JohnJoe was hit by the giggle bug and couldn’t stop laughing, reminding us all of the simple joy of childhood.
8. The fastest reel in the west – back to the 1970s
Heading way back now for one of the most iconic Irish talk show moments is this fantastic moment from The Gay Byrne Show.
Byrne introduces County Mayo man John Conneely, who then shows his skills on the dancefloor, performing his own unique reel to ‘George White’s Favourite’ by John Cleary.
7. Nadine Coyle loves “baking and stuff, working with flour” – ah, we love our wee Nadine, so we do
Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle has a place in our hearts with her charming, ditsy personality and cute Derry accent.
One of the most memorable moments in Irish TV history is this clip from a morning cooking show when she explains how she loves working with “flour” – or is it “floyer”? We’re not too sure.
6. Jack Nicholson look-alike on the Ray D’Arcy Show – the audience can’t handle the truth
On this episode of his talk show, Ray D’Arcy gets the audience excited as he introduces Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson out on stage.
The audience can’t believe their eyes, standing to applaud the movie star. However, it’s quickly revealed that the man joining D’Arcy on stage is not, in fact, the A Few Good Men actor but rather look-alike Norman Deesing.
5. An unimpressed competition winner humiliates Pat Kenny – not interested in the Toy Show
Marking the halfway point through our list of iconic Irish talk show moments is this hilariously awkward moment when Pat Kenny phoned up one competition winner.
Not sounding much enthused about having won the competition, when asked who she planned to bring to the Toy Show the following week, she replied, “I’m not that interested”. Kenny’s response? To tear up the tickets live on air.
4. The legendary audience member on The Saturday Night Show – this man is always ready for his close-up
During an interview with Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross, the camera pans to the audience. One man, quick off the mark, was ready for his moment in the spotlight, pointing and slowly turning to look down the lens of the camera.
We don’t know about you, but to us, that was a moment of absolute TV gold.
3. Ryan Tubridy drops the F-bomb on the Toy Show – it just slipped out
During the 2020 episode of The Late Late Toy Show, former host Ryan Tubridy is seated across the table from a young girl called Annie, maintaining that all-important social distance.
Preparing to pour himself a ridiculously large glass of Fanta, Tubridy opens the bottle, and it fizzes up to spill over the TV set. At this point, he exclaims, “F*ck sake”.
A shocked Annie responds, “Oh, my god”, and a clearly embarrassed Tubridy then goes silent, awkwardly glancing at the camera.
Given the – ahem – profane nature of the clip, you’ll need to head to YouTube for this one!
2. Adam King’s virtual hug – one of the most heartwarming moments in Irish TV history
A moment we will never forget and one of the most heartwarming moments in Irish TV history, young Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he appeared on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020.
The aspiring astronaut was reunited with his favourite hospital porter, John Doyle. An excited young Adam was delighted to see his old friend, offering him a virtual hug.
1. The strongest Irish accent you’ve ever heard – even the Irish can’t understand
Topping our list of iconic Irish talk show moments is this amazing scene from Ireland’s Today Show. Host Colm Flynn visited the town of Killarney in County Kerry to interview local legend Sham in his favourite pub, O’Connor’s.
Asking Sham about the town and the pub they’re in, Sham answered in a hilariously thick Kerry accent. Watch for yourself and let us know if you can work out what he’s saying.
SEE ALSO:
