This weekend saw the end of Brendan O’Connor’s stint on Saturday night TV, and the emotional host brought the chat show to a close with an emotional message of thanks to the viewers and those who’ve appeared as guests over the years.
Wrapping up after five years on the Saturday Night Show, Brendan said: “The most important thing is that I would like to thank all the people who came on here and told their stories.”
The season finale featured interviews with chef Dylan McGrath, Blur’s Alex James, impressionist Oliver Callan, Labour TD John Lyons and music from The Willis Clan, SOAK and Third Smoke. Promised to be an evening filled with good discussion, laughter and nostalgia, Brendan’s final show didn’t disappoint.
Controversy arose with Masterchef star Dylan’s airtime when it became apparent he was under the influence of medication. The chef told the audience: “You’ll have to excuse me tonight. I’m quite sick so I’m on a lot of painkillers.”
RTE have defended their decision to broadcast the tearful and jittery interview, saying that “Dylan wasn’t forced on.”
Despite this, Brendan ended the show to thunderous applause, telling the viewers: “I think if there is one thing we’ve learnt in this country in the last few years…People telling their stories can change everything.”
We look back over his most memorable moments of the show
Donal Walsh’s inspiring interview.
The cancer victim got the nation talking when he publicly appealed to young people not to end their lives.
Brendan shuts down “Kenny” heckler
The show was hi-jacked with a protest live with shouts of “Kenny, Kenny, Kenny, OUT, OUT, OUT!” – referring to Enda Kenny, the Taoiseach.
‘Frostbit Boy’ does it again!
We adore Ruairi McSorley. We can’t understand a word he says, but we love him!
Twink warns the people of Ireland
Adele King AKA Twink had some choice words for her dognappers… be warned, she turned pretty scary!
Linda Martin sings Get Lucky….gulp
We still don’t really have the words for this cover of Pharell’s mega hit by Eurovision queen Linda.
Pantigate
And last but not least, Panti’s now famous interview, which resulted in columnists threatening RTE with legal action for drag queen Rory O’Neill’s comments, deepened the discussion on homophobia in Ireland – ahead of the country recently voting yes to gay marriage.
