Ryan Tubridy shared an emotional tribute to cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan on the Late Late Show on Friday night.
The RTE presenter remembered the heroic mother-of-two for her "dignity, tenacity and courage" as well as "her fun" following her death after a long battle with cancer.
Vicky, who passed away on Monday aged 48, was laid to rest in a private funeral yesterday with her close family and friends in attendance.
At the beginning of Friday night's show, Ryan made an touching speech about Vicky's bravery and the "impact she had on this country and women and on families and on the system".
READ MORE: Vicky Phelan's private funeral has taken place as family says they will 'cherish the memories'
He said: "Before we do anything else tonight, let me and let us remember Vicky Phelan. I mentioned this during the week but I’m going to say it again because some people are simply too alive to die, and Vicky Phelan was one such person.
"We knew this would end badly, we knew that this story would end sadly but it was, to be honest with you, still such a shock to all of us when the news came through that Vicky had died.
"Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of Vicky Phelan. We’re thinking of Darragh and Amelia and Jim, and Vicky’s parents Gabby and John. We’re gonna honour Vicky in our small way tonight, we’re gonna acknowledge the impact she had on this country and women and on families and on the system.
“Through her refusal to be silenced she saved lives. Few people in recent Irish history have made such a profound difference on women’s healthcare and how patients are treated. She fought the system while she herself was suffering.
"She was honest, she was a straight-talker and when she talked, the country listened. So, tonight we’ve lost an ally and an advocate – the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again."
Ryan also spoke about Vicky's 'fun' personality and natural leadership saying she was "the best President this country never had".
He continued: "I was lucky enough to interview Vicky many times here and if I may say personally, when I think about her I remember her dignity, and her tenacity and her courage. But also her divilment because she was a fun person to be around as well. Let’s not lose sight of that.
"She was fun, she was quick with a laugh and forever erring beautifully on the side of joy. And you all knew when Vicky Phelan was in the room.
"A natural leader, she was possibly the best President this country never had. And she made a point of squeezing so much into her final years. As she died, Vicky taught the rest of us how to live.
"May she rest in peace. A peace that she so richly deserves."
Ryan's tribute was followed by a montage reel of Vicky's life with clips of her campaigning to expose the Cervical Check scandal along with images of other women who had died of cervical cancer.
Two of her close friends and fellow cervical cancer campaigners, Lorainne Walsh and Stephen Teap, spoke to Ryan about Vicky following their montage and The Stunning, Vicky's favourite band, also appeared on the show in a special musical performance dedicated to her.
Vicky was then given a standing ovation by the audience members as they remembered everything she did for the women of Ireland.
Viewers admitted they were moved after watching the tribute, with one man writing on Twitter: "I would be lying if I haven’t shed a tear after watching that tribute to Vicky Phelan.
"She is an inspirational. The fight she fought - Vicky is a role model for many. May she forever rest in peace - Thank you for all you did Vicky."
Another added: "What a lovely & fitting tribute to Vicky Phelan on the #LateLateShow"
A third said: "It’s heartbreaking watching the tribute to Vicky Phelan #LateLateShow that’s not what she wanted. She wanted action and I hope that happens after a system failed her and so many women. She deserved so much more, a beautiful life lost needlessly."
While a fourth wrote: "What a moving tribute to @PhelanVicky A formidable woman, an amazing patient advocate, a beautiful mother. From one Mooncoin woman to another, thank you for all you have done to progress the patient voice. #LateLateShow #VickyPhelan"
Irish Cervical Check campaigner Vicky Phelan passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, surrounded by her family at Milford Hospice in Limerick.
In 2014, Vicky was diagnosed with cervical cancer after undergoing a smear test in 2011 showing no abnormalities.
The mother-of-two went on to expose the CervicalCheck screening scandal in Ireland, after discovering she was not told she had been given incorrect smear test results.
She later settled a High Court action for €2.5m with Clinical Pathology Labs US, without admission of liability on the part of the laboratory or health services.
However, she refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement and it was discovered that over 220 other women could have benefitted from earlier treatment. Dozens of women have since died as a result of the scandal.
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