Ryan Tubridy just about holds it together as he passes on message to Patrick Kielty

The tears were already building.

After 14 years, Ryan Tubridy's final appearance as host on the Late Late Show went underway on Friday evening. Coming out to a rapturous standing ovation, the 49-year-old was already looking quite emotional as he took to the stage for the final time. In a gracious introductory speech, Tubridy had a brief but heartfelt message towards incoming host Patrick Kielty, who will be taking over duties on the next season of the talk show. "Great choice, lovely fella, and the Late Late Show is in great safe hands. I can't wait to see what he does with the job, he's going to be great. With a great team around him. Good luck Paddy." Kielty will become the fourth presenter of the long-running chat show when the new season begins in September.

Nice one, @IrishRugby ?#LateLate pic.twitter.com/iQQ36Idy82

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) May 26, 2023

Tubridy was also given a very special gift before his last appearance, a signed Grand Slam jersey from the Irish Rugby team. "I have been at the receiving end of some spectacular gifts today no more so than this by the Irish rugby team, it's the grand slam jersey signed by the whole team. "I don't know where to begin, I was at some of the matches and I'm a huge fan. I love how they represent Ireland abroad. I'm a man of many words but right now I'm a man of many few. To the fellas and everyone behind the scenes at the IRFU, thank you so much, you've made me very very happy."

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