The presenter dedicated the episode to his mother, who passed away last weekend.

Ms Kielty's death was confirmed only hours after the TV presenter hosted the previous Late Late episode on Friday, 7 March. Her funeral took place in Dundrum in Down on Monday, 10 March.

Tributes have poured in for Mary, with the 84-year-old being remembered as a “loving mother” and “devoted grandmother”.

The Late Late St. Patrick's Show on Friday (14 March) began with a performance by Riverdance.

Kielty then took to the stage to say that the episode would be "100% Irish" and "100% guaranteed to put a smile on your voice", before speaking about the episode's line-up.

After this, an emotional Kielty paid tribute to his mother, telling the audience:

"When you're called Patrick, St Patrick's Day is always special. And the person I have to thank for that and so much more is my mum.

"Sadly, we lost her last weekend, and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took care of her and took care of our family this week.

"My mum watched this show religiously and she loved it so much, she still kept watching even after I got the gig.

"In over 50 years, Mary never missed a Late Late Show, and there was no way she'd want me to miss this one for her tonight.

"And so, I couldn't be prouder to stand here and say: 'This one's for you, Mary'. Welcome to The Late Late Show."

Also among the guests on the St. Patrick's Show were the Italia 90 Republic of Ireland Squad, Cian Ducrot and B*Witched.