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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

RIP 🙏 to Brendan kennelly a legend of a poet

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 💚

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

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

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

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

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. 💔.

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.

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

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.

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 ❤️

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 KZfaq, would have liked something of that quality here.

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 …

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

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.

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

Thanks for sharing this!

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

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.

Thanks for posting this.

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

This is incredible television. Literally.

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.

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

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

Thank you for uploading this.

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

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

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

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 😮

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

This changed my mind in Gay Byrne. Respect.

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

Wow. Tears rolling down my cheeks

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

RIP Brendan Kennelly

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

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

Thank you for this.....

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

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

This was when The Late Late Show was watched by millions. I wouldn't look at it now

Thanks for sharing

God is very much real. God orchestrated all of what you are about to see.. from the other caller not been available.. to there been a nun and poet to offer comfort. Some of the best live television ive ever seen

That was certainly no accident she was picked. Amazing stuff

Only Gay Byrne could share a nations deepest sympathy to Rita on her enormous loss.

It's amazing television really.

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

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

Unreal coincidence. A wonderful Irish response.

Only Gay could have handled that situation.It was just so unexpected and he had to think so quickly. Gay's professionalism was unique.He had to so such empathy.Nobody before or since came near him.

Rita died on September 16th 2021 and Brendan Kenelly died a month later on October 17th 2021. Who would have thought they would both live another 24 years and die a month apart! An even more eerie moment from this segment of the show is that just before Gay asked Brendan to assist him choosing the card from the large rectangular container he said "Brendan, would you come down here and pull a card out of the coffin!"(omitted from this upload). The power of the spoken word!

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

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

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.

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.

Master class in presenting 💕

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.

Rita,!, in dublin ireland ,was living in London 97 I hope you have had a great life I'm sorry too hear about your daughter you were picked for a reason 😣😣😣😥😥😥 I hope heaven is everything to your daughter, how did this happen you get picked! I cycle by sutton grave cemetery, a lot on my way up to howth were gay is buried near fergal Quinn and Phil lynott, l will drop in and say hello for you and a prayer for your daughter, so sad only hearing about this now all these years later 😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😥😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇

The beautiful Brendan Kennelly also. So gentle..

For once i agree with a Nun . Her name was picked . First caller out playing Tennis . Even the Poem fitted RIP Linda . Tears are flowing for you

My God..how incredible

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

This is why Gay Byrne was the perfect professional for the show. It's been a steep downslide since he finished.

If you don’t believe in at least the power of spirit after seeing things like this, there is no hope for you.