The Kerry CNN journalist who went viral during the US Capitol riots earlier this week has spoken about his 'surreal' experience.
Donie O'Sullivan, from Cahirseveen in west Kerry, was praised by online users for his calmness while among the mobs of Donald Trump supporters as they stormed the Capitol building in Washington.
Appearing on Friday's Late Late Show, O'Sullivan said he was touched by the support from Ireland after the violence.
"It's just been unbelievable. I've been totally overwhelmed.'' he told host Ryan Tubridy.
"I think people have seen me probably on Harcourt Street not being so coherent and eloquent!
"It's been surreal.''
O'Sullivan, who has been working with the American news network since 2016, usually returns home to Ireland for Christmas.
This year, that obviously wasn't possible thanks to the coronavirus - but the outpouring of support online from his home country helped to fill that gap.
He explained: ''This was my first Christmas away from Ireland. This experience this week has made me feel much closer to home for sure.''
'Donie' was the number one trend on Twitter on Wednesday night in Ireland, with people flocking to social media during the madness.
And even his accent came into question from some of his work colleagues after an interview with O'Sullivan's parents was posted online.
"A reporter from TG4 turned up at their door yesterday unannounced and they sort of rolled with it," the UCD graduate told Ryan.
"I've had a lot of questions from my colleagues here at CNN about what the hell my dad is saying. He has a very strong Kerry accent.
"I told them that my mam Noreen, who was born and raised in Boston, doesn't understand him half the time and that's why they've had such a successful marriage."
