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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Michelle Townsend & Cathal Ryan

Ireland AM host Tommy Bowe's mysterious absence from morning show explained

Tommy Bowe, the former rugby player turned TV host, has had an unexplained absence from Ireland AM cleared up after viewers were all left wondering where the popular presenter was.

Although the Virgin Media personality was present for his hosting duties at the beginning of the week, co-hosts Muireann O'Connell and Alan Hughes became a double act for the shows on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, it turns out the 39-year-old Monaghan native was absent for a pretty important reason.

READ MORE: Ireland AM viewers in stitches after Alan Hughes walks off set following bizarre moment

The former Ulster and Ireland rugby player was in Brussels to visit the European Parliament to mark 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement.

While in the parliament, Tommy discussed his experience of the Good Friday Agreement, as well as the benefits sport can have on communities.

Bowe shared some photos of his trip to Brussels on Instagram, alongside the post: "What an experience getting to visit the European Parliament in its celebration of 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement.

"I was asked to share my experience of how I’ve benefited from the Good Friday Agreement and how sport is a wonderful tool to bring people together. Also a bitta Brussels sightseeing."

Fans flocked to the comments to send the sportsman-turned-presenter praise, with one person commenting: "Good man Tommy, representing the border region.”

Another added: "Look at you at the top table.”

While one more posted: "Another great ambassador on an important anniversary.”

A fourth fan also wrote: "No better man to be an ambassador for Ireland and Peace."

Even his colleagues joined in to throw him some words of encouragement, with Virgin Media News reporter colleague Richard Chambers adding: "Fair play, Tommy Bowe MEP!"

Fellow Ireland AM co-host Muireann also joined in, joking to viewers that Tommy may be headed to the Áras one day.

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