Flaunt Weeekly
The musicians paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny Duhan
- Rachel WyerShowbiz Reporter
RTE Late Late Show viewers all praised tonight’s “phenomenal” TradFest special.
Host Patrick Kielty was joined by a line-up of exceptional Irish music talent in the RTE studios this evening.
Ireland’s largest traditional music festival, TradFest, returns later this month and tonight’s show kickstarted the celebrations with craic agus ceol from some talented musicians and vocalists.
In what has become a Late Late Show favourite, Kielty kicked off the season’s return by showcasing the best of our established and emerging musical talents set to participate in the annual TradFest event.
The host was joined by singer-songwriters Mundy, Mike Hanrahan, Ines Khai and Wallis Bird.
Aoife Scott blew viewers away as she performed a beautiful rendition of Caledonia.
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Sean-nós singer Seán Keane, folk artist Molly Donnery, Irish speaker Sinéad McKenna and piper Louise Mulcahy were also among the talented guests who appeared tonight.
The studio also came alive with performances from multi-instrumentalist Alan Connor, The Chieftains’ guest fiddler Tara Breen, folk singer Daoirí Farrell and percussionist Robbie Harris.
Banjo player and former Dubliner Gerry O’Connor honoured Dubliner Barney McKenna, while multi-instrumentalist Josephine Marsh and Segun Arkano also delivered showstopping performances.
As well as this, the musicians paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Limerick singer-songwriter, Johnny Duhan, who sadly passed away in November last year.
Before performing his beloved song, The Voyage, singer Mike Hanrahan told how Johnny was “a very honest writer,” who “always fought the good fight for songwriters”.
RTE viewers raced to social media to share their opinions after tonight’s show.
‘Can’t wait’ shout fans as RTE Late Late Show shares video ahead of special New Year’s edition of show
Gary said: “We’ve just had 45 minutes (not nearly enough) of perfect TV with #Tradfest on #LateLte. The world is a better place. More and more and more please.”
Oliver wrote: “Wow #LorraineNash backing vocal singing ‘The Voyage’ with @mikehanrahan46 is mesmerising, such a talent and beautiful song. Irish trad show phenomenal.”
Another added: “Fab piece on @RTELateLateShow by @mikehanrahan46 a wonderful tribute to Johnny.”
Flaunt Weeekly COMIC’S COUNTDOWN
RTE Late Late Show took to theirInstagramon New Year’s Eve to share a 2024 recap videohighlighting Kielty’s standout moments on the show throughout the year.
The video montage opened with a clip of the host waving at the camera before stepping out on air.
Over this clip, the sound said: “And with that, the 2024 season comes to an end.”
The next part showed the presenter saying: “This has been The Late Late Show, I have been Patrick Kielty.”
It was then followed by a video of Kielty rushing back stage, saying: “And we’re off.”
The montage then transitioned into a series of short clips, highlighting Patrick’s on-air moments.
After this, it showed some of the incredible guests who appeared on the show throughout the year such as Irish actorPaul Mescaland golfing legendRory McIlroy.
The video concluded with some sweet moments from the most festive night of the year, TheLate Late Toy Show.
