Patrick Kielty sent an emotional message to his mother on Friday night’s episode of The Late Late Show, a week on from her death.
The TV star’s mum Mary died at the age of 88 last weekend and was laid to rest on Monday in County Down, where Patrick looked bereft as he carried her coffin through his home village.
Returning to work on Friday, Patrick opened his popular talk show with a heartfelt tribute, his voice shaking as he told the audience how much Mary loved the watching him on screen.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
He added that his mother ‘watched this show religiously,’ before quipping: ‘She loved it so much she still kept watching even after I got the gig.
Patrick Kielty sent an emotional message to his mother on Friday night’s episode of The Late Late Show, a week on from her death
‘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.
‘So, I couldn’t be prouder to stand here and say ‘this one’s for you, Mary’. Welcome to The Late Late Show.’
The Friday before Patrick had presented an episode of RTÉ’s flagship TV programme hours before her death.
Patrick’s wife This Morning host Cat Deely was notably absent as Mary was laid to rest on Monday in County Down.
But a spokesperson for Cat told MailOnline the reason why she did not attend the burial was so that she could be present for her two children who are suffering the loss of their grandmother.
Patrick has previously spoken movingly of his love for his mother and the unique connection she enjoyed with him and his siblings.
Not long after taking over The Late Late Show he revealed how Mary still offered to do his laundry for him.
The TV star’s mother Mary died at the age of 88 last weekend and returning to work on Friday, Patrick opened his popular talk show with a heartfelt tribute (pictured together in 2012)
This Morning host Cat was notably absent as Mary, 88 was laid to rest on Monday in County Down while Patrick looked bereft as he carried her coffin through his home village
He said: ‘I think Irish mummies never really understand what age their youngsters actually are.
‘So, you do get a lot of offers like ‘Do you have any washing’ and I would be like ‘Well no, no that’s done, I’m 53 mum’.’
Born in 1940, Mary was the youngest of four sisters and a brother and grew up on a farm near Annaclone.
Throughout her life she shared a deep bond with all three of her sons who paid moving tributes to her during her funeral.
