Ryan Tubridy gave an emotional opening monologue on Friday night’s RTE Late Late Show.
Just hours after the Taoiseach announced the lifting of almost all of Ireland’s Covid restrictions, Tubs echoed the sentiments of many viewers.
“Unwinding has begun and aren’t we grateful. The emergency pandemic measures will soon be a distant memory and I want to mark the night by saying it has been a career privilege for me and the team on The Late Late Show to have had your company through the hard and sad times,” he began.
The 48-year-old said he “can’t wait” for the return of a live audience to the Donnybrook studio and thanked viewers for their “company” during the pandemic.
“Times were lean and for sure they were mean. You climbed there with us, we appreciate it.
“In the 60 years that this television show has been broadcasting, never has an audience shown its metal like you have. When we asked you to, you lent a hand. €28million went to local Irish charities on Friday nights.
“You waked our dead, you lifted up our heroes… the young and the old. You’ll be back in here filling our studio audience again, all giddy, gorgeous and brilliant. I can’t wait to see you.
“The truth is you never left. Even in an empty studio to the sound of our empty footsteps. A million of you popped in for a look every single Friday night throughout the pandemic. Why? Because you got it. You got soul and that’s not something you can download, import or bulk buy.
“No gimmicks, no bells, no whistles. You got soul. We love you for that.
“If the worst ever happens again, and it might, the Late Late Show will be here and long after us too. Thank you sincerely for your company.”
There was mixed reaction to the speech as viewers let their thoughts be known on social media.
“Tubridy would bring a tear to a glass eye,” one person wrote on Twitter.
Another added: “Loving the positivity of the post title opening. Restrictions finally lifting, life finally returning, can’t wait to get to some concerts.”
However, a third said: “Nothing worse than Ryan telling us how he’s saved the nation over the last 2 years!! Totally OTT reaction to lifting restrictions, utterly immature, time to switch.”
“That was very strange… Even my mother is here saying 'in the name of God!', a fourth said.
“Jesus my ears are bleeding,” another Twitter user joked.
Ireland is today as close to normality as it has been since the pandemic began in 2020 with most restrictions easing.
Here's your quick guide to everything you need to know:
All the rules that are gone
Pubs, late bars, nightclubs and restaurants can return to normal trading hours
Drinking at the bar can resume and limit on numbers at table removed
Covid passes abolished for access to pubs and restaurants
Full capacity allowed at indoor and outdoor events including weddings
Concerts, theatres, indoor activities to return
Social distancing will no longer be required
No limits on household visits
The rules that aren't
Masks still required on/in.....
- on public transport, taxis and at stations/airports.
- Retail and public offices including banks
- Libraries, cinemas, theatres, museums
- Personal services
- Customer-facing roles where food and drinks are sold for having on premises.
Protective measures in schools and early learning and care facilities.
