CHAOS AND HEART: Patrick Kielty’s Halloween Slip Meets Daniel O’Donnell’s Emotional Tribute on The Late Late Show
The Halloween edition of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show had everything a festive broadcast could promise — costumes, laughter, awkward blunders, and even a moving remembrance that brought a hush over the audience. Host Patrick Kielty leaned into the spirit of the season, beginning the night in full character. As the chilling beats of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” filled the studio, Kielty emerged from a coffin dressed as a vampire, his cape flowing dramatically as the audience roared with delight.
Yet in television, timing is everything, and Kielty’s mischievous opening quickly gave way to red cheeks. With his usual quick-fire humor, he teased the audience that a member of the “Royle” family would soon be joining the set. Pulling out a playful mask of Daniel O’Donnell, he poked fun at the Donegal-born singer’s well-earned reputation as one of Ireland’s most familiar household names. The joke seemed set for laughs — until the man himself stepped onto the stage.
Daniel O’Donnell, now 61 and still as sharp as ever, appeared behind Kielty to the audience’s surprise. Rather than brushing aside the gag, O’Donnell leaned into the moment, handing Kielty a card with what he insisted was his “proper introduction.” Playing along, Kielty announced him — tongue firmly in cheek — as “the biggest star and best singer we have ever had on this show.” The exchange drew laughter, breaking any lingering tension from the slip of the tongue.
But while the night brimmed with comedy and lighthearted banter, it was O’Donnell who delivered the evening’s most poignant moment. In the midst of stories from his decades-long career, he paused to reflect on the recent loss of Sinéad O’Connor, the world-renowned Irish artist who died in July. His tone softened as he recalled a shared memory from years before.
“We had a lovely night the night Sinéad and I appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” O’Donnell said, his voice filled with warmth. “I remember us going into a big room here in RTÉ after the show and we danced together. She was a terrific artist.” Gathering himself, he added gently: “She was such a generous and kind person, especially to the people of Bray. She is missed by so many, but her passing was a huge loss to her family.”
It was a moment that cut through the laughter and costumes, reminding viewers of O’Donnell’s gift for connecting not only through song but also through sincerity. For decades, he has been the performer who can lift spirits with a cheerful tune and just as quickly move listeners to quiet reflection.
Kielty, for his part, showed the improvisational skill that has made him a trusted host. What began as a shaky misstep in his introduction soon became part of the night’s charm, turning potential embarrassment into yet another reason for laughter. The audience, clearly in on the joke, embraced the warmth of seeing two much-loved Irish figures share the stage.
By the end of the night, the Halloween “spooktacular” had lived up to its promise — not merely as an evening of tricks and costumes but as a showcase of two entertainers balancing humor with humanity. For viewers, it will not only be remembered for Kielty’s vampire fangs or a coffin on stage, but for the sight of Daniel O’Donnell standing before the crowd, remembering Sinéad O’Connor with tenderness.
In a single broadcast, the evening captured the essence of both men: Kielty’s quick wit, always ready to recover and charm, and O’Donnell’s enduring ability to move audiences with both laughter and love. It was, in its own way, a reminder that live television still holds the power to surprise — and to touch the heart.