Ray D’Arcy was reduced to tears during an emotionally-charged interview, in which he spoke to a terminally-ill grandfather.
The RTE presenter’s guest yesterday was Joe Flynn, who was recently diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer and was given just months to live.
The 58-year-old Kerryman, who is due to become a grandfather for the second time, will celebrate his daughter’s wedding next week.
His attitude about his impending death was nothing short of inspirational, as he spoke openly about accepting his fate.
‘I’ve everything arranged – the funeral and the whole lot. Everything is done,” he said. “Even the coffin lifting, and what I’m wearing in the coffin – no suit.
“I have a t-shirt at home of Only Fools and Horses with ‘what a plonker’ on the front of it and I’m wearing that, no shoes either, I’ve those given away.”
He continued: “Caledonia is one of my favourite songs, and Bright Blue Rose, and there’s a few pieces of classical music that I like as well [for the funeral],”
Joe told Ray that he wanted to come on the Radio 1 show to read with young men to keep their health in check.
“Anybody that’s positive and bubbly, stay in their company. And get yourself checked out,” he advised. “I had a little cough a couple of years ago, and probably that little cough mightn’t have transpired into this.”
Towards the end of the interview, the Saturday night chat show host became understandably emotional. “Joe I’m in awe of you. Your attitude to the whole thing, I’m sure people want to know your advice,” he said.
When saying his goodbyes, he added: “I’m finding it hard… I shouldn’t be crying.”
Choking back the tears, Ray said: “[This interview] is all my pleasure, it’s all my pleasure.”
Listen back to the interview in full here.
