Ryan Tubridy has shared a heartfelt tribute to the late Vicky Phelan on last night’s Late Late Show.
The CervicalCheck campaigner tragically passed away earlier this week, following her years long battle with cervical cancer.
She and Ryan became close friends after her appearance on the Late Late Show. So the Dublin man used last night’s show to commemorate Vicky.
Opening the show, he began: “Before we begin tonight’s show, let me and let us remember Vicky Phelan. I mentioned this during the week but I’m going to say it again; because some people are simply too alive to die, and Vicky Phelan was one such person.”
Continuing; “We knew this would end badly, we knew that this story would end sadly but, to be honest with you, it was still such a shock to all of us when the news came through that Vicky had died.”
“Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of Vicky Phelan. We’re thinking of Darragh and Amelia and Jim, and Vicky’s parents Gabby and John. We’re gonna honour Vicky in our small way tonight, we’re gonna acknowledge the impact she had on this country and women and on families and on the system.”
“Through her refusal to be silenced she saved lives, and few people in recent Irish history have made such a profound difference on women’s healthcare and how patients are treated. She fought the system while she herself was suffering.”
“She was honest, she was a straight-talker and when she talked, the country listened. So, tonight we’ve lost an ally and an advocate – the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again.”
Opening about his experience working with Vicky, Ryan gushed: “I was lucky enough to interview Vicky many times here and if I may say, personally, when I think about her, I remember her dignity, and her tenacity, and her courage, but also her devilment – because she was a fun person to be around as well, let’s not lose sight of that.”
“She was fun, she was quick with a laugh and she was forever airing, beautifully, on the side of joy. You always knew when Vicky Phelan was in the room, a natural leader, she was possibly the best President this country never had.”
“She made a point of squeezing so much into her final years. As she died, Vicky taught the rest of us really how to live.”
Concluding; ““Let’s just say, for now, may she rest in peace, a peace that she so richly deserves.”
Rest in Peace, Vicky x pic.twitter.com/3snjZIXt2L
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) November 18, 2022
The Late Late Show also produced a video tribute to Vicky, which also honoured her fellow campaigners Lynsey Bennett, Emma Hannigan and Emma Mhic Mhathúna.
Vicky was one of Ireland’s most respect activist after she dedicated her self to bringing the CervicalCheck scandal to light. Refusing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, after she, and countless others, were given inaccurate results.
May she rest in peace.
