Cork children shine on the Late Late Toy Show

FRIDAY night marked the official start of Christmas for many families across the country, as the eagerly anticipated Late Late Toy Show took to screens at 9.35pm.

The theme of Patrick Kielty’s first Toy Show was the beloved movie ‘Elf’ and the host was widely praised online for his performance, with many viewers saying he made it all about the children.

Cork was featured throughout the show, with local author Leona Forde writing that she “fell off the couch” when she heard her book 'Milly McCarthy and the Irish Dancing Disaster’ was given a fantastic review by Knocknaheeny girl Sophia McNamara.

“How amazing is this, and how fabulous is Sophia. Pure Cork legend, just like Milly,” posted Leona.

Later on Sophia, wearing a bright red sombrero, delighted the studio audience and viewers with a rap in her distinctive Cork accent.

Ahead of Friday nights show Sophia’s mother Michelle told The Echo that it was dream come true for her daughter..

“I’m extremely proud. She’s just so confident in everything she does,” said Michelle.

“She loves performing for people and she loves just getting out there and interacting with everyone".

“It’s brilliant as well that she’s representing Cork".

Other Cork children also shone on the big screen, including nine-year-old Freya Hogan from Glanmire, who didn’t let her broken arm stop her as she performed as part of a group number, which also she had a solo in, and Ellie Kennedy from Killeens, an eleven year old student of The Performers Academy Cork.

12-year-old Lottie O’Driscoll-Murray from Shanakiel also featured in the show, with her mum Celine telling The Echo last week that Lottie had been up in Dublin rehearsing every weekend this month.

“We were up there three Sunday's in a row and she’s after becoming great friends with the other kids - it’s all go but it’s all worth it."

Young rugby fan Stevie Mulrooney was just finishing a stirring rendition of ‘Ireland’s Call’ when he was joined by Cork’s Peter O’Mahony and his fellow Irish international Bundee Aki, who stood shoulder to shoulder with him.

A shocked Stevie congratulated the duo on their performance in the recent World Cup, telling Patrick Kielty it was the best day of his life.

Stevie was presented with an Ireland jersey signed by the whole squad, before the host announced that he and his whole family had been gifted tickets by the IRFU to see Ireland play Italy in next year's Six Nations, and that Elvery's would be kitting him out for the match.

The annual RTÉ annual Toy Show appeal had raised over €3.1 million for a range of children’s charities across Ireland by the end of the show, with donations still being accepted at www.rte.ie/toy-show-appeal/.