Strong Cork showing at ‘Late Late Toy Show’

RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show Appeal raised more than €4.6 million this year, with several Cork faces featured in Friday night’s show.

Since 2020, the people of Ireland and around the globe have come together to donate money to the Toy Show Appeal, which was established as organisers were inspired by the story of Saoirse Ruane.

The cumulative donations to the fundraiser exceed €30 million, with all funds raised going towards the support of more than one million children and families since its inception.

This year’s Late Late Toy Show, like every other before it, highlighted a range of toys on the market ahead of the Christmas period, while also shining a light on the diverse range of charities across the country.

Several toy demonstrators in this year’s show hailed from Cork, including the first demonstrator of the night, Declan Ryan (6), who showed off his Jurassic Park and How to Train Your Dragon toys.

The young Corkonian, who is an avid golf fan, was later treated to a special message from Shane Lowry who invited him to spend the day with him at the Irish Open.

Cork twins Aoife and Tara McCarthy (9) also featured in Friday night’s broadcast, and showed Mr Kielty their favourite toys, which included Sylvanian Families and Clutching at Straws.

The pair also spoke about their love of camogie, their pride in their parish, and sang a verse of Kingfishr’s song Killeagh.

Kingfishr later joined a number of talented singers and musicians on stage to perform a special rendition of Killeagh, which was adopted as the unofficial anthem of Cork GAA this summer.

Cork’s Roy Keane also made an appearance on the show, assisting toy demonstrators Keelan Tiernan (10) and Dylan Bowe (10) from Dublin in their quest to take on the ‘Tower of Toys’ to win some presents for sick children watching the Toy Show from hospital.

The Toy Show additionally supported a Toy Show Appel event at the Crann Centre in Cork which saw more than 150 children and their families in attendance.

Speaking about the funds raised from the Toy Show Appeal, Mr Kielty said the Late Late Toy Show team “cannot thank you enough for your amazing donations to this year’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal”.

“As we all saw on Friday night, at the heart of the Toy Show is kindness - from our children in the studio and from you watching at home," said Mr Kielty.

“The difference your donations will make to kids and their families at this time of year is huge.

“To all of you who have helped change lives right across Ireland we say a big go raibh maith agaibh!"

Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s director-general, said after such a heartwarming Late Late Toy Show on Friday night “it has been remarkable to see that generosity continue throughout the weekend”.

“We are very grateful to the many individuals and families who have given to the appeal this year,” said Mr Bakhurst.

“These funds will provide valuable support to children and their families in every county across the island.

“The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal remains one of the most important and impactful things that we do in RTÉ.”