Late Late Show viewers are all saying the same thing after 'perfect' Tradfest special

Last night saw the first Late Late Show of 2025 kick off as host Patrick Kielty welcomed a line-up of phenomenal Irish musicians.

The first half of the show was celebrating the upcoming Tradfest, as it showcased the best of Ireland's established and emerging musical talents such as folk singer songwriter Aoife Scott, musician Wallis Bird, singer songwriter Mike Hanrahan and sean-nós singer Seán Keane.

There were some amazing tunes to start off the year from the talented trad musicians in studio, and viewers were delighted.

Read more:Late Late viewers moved by Trad Fest's emotional tribute to late Galway singer Johnny Duhan

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Late Late Show fans took to social media as they demanded the programme feature trad music more often, calling the segment "perfect tv"

One viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write: "We've just had 45 minutes (not nearly enough) of perfect tv with #Tradfest on the #LateLate . The world is a better place. More and more and more please."

"A couple of hours of Trad would make the #LateLate unmissable every week," another agreed.

A third gushed: "Loving the Late Late Show tonight! So uplifting after a dreary week!"

"What a brilliant showcase of talent on the #LateLate now… @mundyirl bang on the money about protecting the sesiun ceoil also! True talent on stage there! Well done all @RTELateLateShow," another said.

It has some emotional moments too, with the show honouring the late Galway singer Johnny Duhan with a tribute.

Johnny, 74, tragically lost his life off the coast of Co. Galway as his body was recovered in a major search operation.

Best known for his song The Voyage, Johnny enjoyed enormous success as a singer-songwriter and guitarist over many years. He was often dubbed as one of Ireland's greatest by legendary folk singers such as Christy Moore and Ronnie Drew.

Viewers were moved by the tribute, and particularly touched by Mike Hanrahan, who took lead vocals on the musicians' rendition of his best loved song.

The Late Late Show airs Friday nights at 9.35pm on RTE One and RTE Player.