The jewel in the crown of Irish television that is The Late Late Toy Show was back for another year and it did not disappoint as it brought a trademark helping of wholesome, festive content to screens across the island.
Patrick Kielty was back on hand for his second stint of hosting the annual broadcast, having taken to the role like a duck to water on his debut 12 months ago.
Coincidentally, ducks were the first toy on show and Hugh Carr was quick on the pulse with a Tweet many of us can relate to this time of year.
Me leading the boys to 12 Pubs after this #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/026OuzOsFh
— Hugh Carr (@hughcarrhere) December 6, 2024
First though, he came out dressed up as a Christmas tree and Aldi's social media admin was on hand for an irresistible pun.
Patrick Kieltree #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/VjupsGZHHP
— Aldi Ireland (@Aldi_Ireland) December 6, 2024
As always on Toy Show night, Irish Twitter was in flying form from off and the live Tweets were as entertaining as the broadcast itself.
The best memes from The Late Late Toy Show
It was a high-octane start to the show, with what first appeared to be a rendition of AC/DC's Thunderstruck breaking out into a brilliant trad remake that got the pastriotism flowing in many of us.
The Thunderstruck trad remix we never we knew needed #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/wA7o9psnwL
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 6, 2024
Me when the trad kicked in on Thunderstruck #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/SyJcmSSEdO
— Mick Lally (@MickLally_) December 6, 2024
Never one to shy away from an extravagant costume, Kielty then went full-send as he chatted with seven-year-old WWE superfan Alfie.
With Roman Reigns' theme music in the background, and Ryan Tubridy no longer the main man, Kielty looked the part as viewers acknowledged their new 'Tribal Chief'.
I acknowledge my Tribal Chief. #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/U5GDr9Zr71
— Ryan 3 & Knuckles (@SpaceTimeTweets) December 6, 2024
He really is the Head of the Table these days but maybe Tubridy will be a surprise than even Kielty doesn't see coming...
We are live here at the Late Late Toy show and -
Wait what's this??
It's... It's... BY GOD IT'S RYAN TUBRIDY WITH A STEEL CHAIR#LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/8Gtc6l48eO— Nosferatu Zag (@Kainyewest) December 6, 2024
After the break, Kielty introduced us all to service puppy Star, who stole the hearts of the nation.
It was an image that evoked a striking similarity to Craggy Island heartthrob Eoin McLove, which did not get past many.
We’ve seen this tactic before…. And by god is it effective! 🐶 we’re about to witness the highest level of donations ever in the history of the toy show. #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/s0bNNcG0Hr
— Tadgh O’Donovan (@teachwithtadgh) December 6, 2024
It is an effective tactic...
Never a year goes by when we don't have a young man way beyond his years conducting himself with remarkable confidence and 2024 was no different.
Brian Óg, clad in a sharp waistcoat and brown loafers, showed wisdom beyond his years which naturally drew comparisons to characters from years past such as Sheamie and, of course, horology enthusiast John-Joe.
Who media trained Brian Óg? #LateLateToyShow
— Adam (@GilroysWorld) December 6, 2024
Brian Óg would give Jordan Belfort a run for his money with these sales tactics #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/i5GcJCeYxm
— Ian Mangan (@ManganIan) December 6, 2024
An utter professional in front of the cameras.
Handy on the microphone too.
2am in Coppers #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/xTj5rWH9Yl
— Liam De Brún (@liamdeb) December 6, 2024
Space enthusisasts Zara and Cillian were on hand to educate us with their enthusiasm before Irish astronaut Nora Patten, of County Mayo, made a surprise appearance.
Naturally, the Mayo senior football team caught some strays as a result...
Kevin, a self-professed 'Massey Man', was on-hand then to talk all things tractors and viewers were beginning to notice a trend...
Kielty then hosted a parade of toys with representatives from all 32 counties and one user hailed his ability to unite both sides of the border.
