Late Late Show: Viewers hail Christy Moore a 'national treasure' after RTE chat show appearance

Late Late Show viewers have branded Christy Moore a 'national treasure' after the legendary singer-songwriter appeared on Friday night's episode of the long-running RTE chat show.

The Kildare-native joined host Patrick Kielty in the RTE Studios to chat about his new album, A Terrible Beauty, which hit shelves today. Moore also treated the audience to a performance of some songs from the new album, as well as one of his most iconic tunes, Viva la Quinta Brigada.

Moore has appeared on the Late Late Show dozens of times over the past 50 years, but Friday's episode marked his first appearance since Kielty took over as host from Ryan Tubridy.

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And the Co Down comedian said it was a 'dream' come true to be able to interview Christy as host of the iconic RTE series.

"One of the dreams I had when I got this gig was to be introducing this man," said an emotional Kielty. "And to just be sitting here, beside you tonight is putting absolute flesh in my bones."

When asked by Kielty whether he thinks Ireland is in a better place compared to where the country was when he first appeared on the Late Late Show, Moore responded: "In ways it, in ways it isn't.

"There's a lot of hardship in the country now and there's also a lot of wealth. Some people are doing very, very well and others aren't doing so good. And there's a lot of people in Ireland now who need more than they're getting.

"And there's a lot of hatred coming up in this country, which is a bit scary. There is a lot of stuff happening that is very worrying.

"But I wouldn't live anywhere else in the world. I just love it here. I don't want to go anywhere else for the rest of my life. I don't want to play anywhere else. I just like it here."

Moore's appearance on the Late Late Show went down a storm with viewers at home, with many taking to social media to heap praise on the legendary singer-songwriter.

"National treasure is Christy," said one person, with another viewer adding: "Christy is the best of us."

"Christy Moore, a class act as always. Can’t wait to see him yet again in June," said a third.

"You gotta love a bit of Christy on the #latelate Not looking anywhere near 80!!!!!" added another.

Viewers were quick to hail Moore's ability to use his songs to tell a story, with viewer writing: "Christy Moore such a brilliant artist who is so passionate about his music A master in putting the words to a song Great Late Late Show tonight and what a great way to end it."

Another added: "Christy Moore reminds me of a singing Irish Seanchaí, such a beautiful ability to tell a whole story in the space of a few verses . What a talent"

While viewers were full of praise for Christy's appearance, another guest on Friday's show failed to make a similar impression on those watching from home.

Stand-up comedian Des Bishop joined Kielty in studio to chat about returning to Ireland to perform his new show, titled Lately, after moving back to the US during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, viewers were far from impressed by Bishop's appearance on Friday's show, with a number of people branding the interview 'painful' to watch.

"Des Bishop. Just no. We have suffered enough!" said one viewer on X, with another adding: "Jesus, Des Bishop is painful."

It seems even fans of the comedian were left unimpressed with the comedian's appearance on Friday's show, with one person writing: "I once thought Des Bishop was so funny (his story about moving here and the immersion was so close to my early experiences arriving here 32 years ago) and delightedly tuned in but then had to tune right out. Not funny."

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