Some people say there are seven wonders of the world, but here in the Her.ie offices we’re beginning to think that there may in fact be eight…
The Late Late Show is the longest running television chat show in the world, yes, we said the world people, but how or why?
Gaybo kicked things off on July 6th, 1962, Frank Hall had a year’s stint in ’64, then of course there was Pat Kenny, and current presenter Tubs. However, it goes without saying that it’s the guests that make the show what it is.
Tonight’s Eurosong line up may not be your cup of tea, but there’s no doubt that the people featured in these next 14 clips made the programme very special.
Here, we take a look back over the most memorable moments from the last 52 years (and seven months)… it was a tough task to cut them down, but here are our favourites.
Get the tissues folks, some of these will make you cry.
1. Woman reunited with daughter.
This mother reuniting with her daughter after three and a half years away will bring a tear to your eye. Several tears to your eye.
2. The Birmingham Six return home.
This interview from 1991 with three of The Birmingham Six men, who were wrongly sentenced to life imprisonment in 1975 for a Birmingham pub bombing, was extremely emotional.
Patrick Hill, Gerard Hunter, and Richard McIlkenny opened up on what life was like inside an English prison for an Irish man, detailing what experiences they’d had since being granted freedom, 17 years later.
3. ‘Rap Against Rape.’ You really have to see and hear this to believe it.
“What did I do Wrong?” Do they really need us to explain… Appearances from a few faces you might recognise. Simon Young at 1:50, Gerry Wilson at 3:50 and Tony Fenton at 4:15.
4. Boyzone. Enough said.
This clip will haunt the lads for the rest of their lives. The first ever appearance of the band together… Which explains perfectly why the boys were never seen dancing.
5. “You’re an unstoppable arsehole.”
Pat gets heckled by a man that doesn’t really have a lot of time for him, live on air.
6. Ed and Aimee
All we can say is that Mr Sheeran is an absolute gentleman.
7. “You dirty beast.” Emu attacks Gaybo
Rod Hull and his bird Emu attack Gaybo… in the nether regions.
8. Lenny Henry falls off his chair…
Taking part of the set with him. Epic. We love you Lenny.
9. John Joe the horologist.
The Toy Show brings us some amazing kids, and John Joe quickly became the nation’s favourite. The child is a genius. That is all.
10. “Mummy, shut up.” Liam Neeson being a hero.
And his son also sounds like a bit of a hero.
11. Pat tears up the Toy Show tickets.
Prizewinner Barbara doesn’t want the tickets to the Late Late Toy Show, an infuriated Pat Kenny tears up two tickets as a result. Pat, we’d have taken them!
12. The Limerick Argument
An angry Limerick man called Gerry Hannan in 1999 propositions Frank McCourt. The man argues that the author’s book, ‘Angela’s Ashes’, is complete lies.
13. Any craic? Níl.
Alex Meehan is a minature hero!
14. The Dubliners & The Pogues
This amazing rendition of The Irish Rover took place back in 1987. So many heroes on one stage.
Ah, those were the days… What on earth happened?
