Ryan Tubridy left listeners in floods of tears this morning, after an emotional interview with a Co Mayo family who have lit up a "weary world" with talent and kindness after the death of their father.
Lottie Billington, from Westport, Co Mayo, has just been announced as the winner of a competition to have an illustration feature in JK Rowling's newest book for children, The Ickabog.
But nine-year-old Lottie, whose drawing of a peacock was one of just 38 chosen from over 18,000 entries, is more than just a talented artist.
She's also, alongside her younger sister Rosie, "bursting with kindness", according to mum Sarah.
The two girls lost their dad, Mal in tragic circumstances a number of years ago when he died from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Ryan was left holding back tears as Sarah told the inspirational story behind her family's journey in the aftermath Mal's death.
"Lottie and Rosie were my greatest teachers in it all," said Sarah of her two kids.
"They’ve really shown me how to deal with the big feelings – whether that be through art, or dancing, or singing or whatever."
At this stage in the interview, tears were falling all over Ireland – and things got more moving still as Lottie told Tubridy about the small act of kindness they perform every year to keep their dad's memory alive.
"On my dad’s birthday, we always go to a coffee shop and buy hot drinks for the next 10 people that come in," she said, leaving Ryan – and the rest of us – diving for the tissues.
As if things couldn't get any more moving, the idea came from the girls – who use their own pocket money to pay for the drinks and remember their dad.
"That has been an amazing way of remembering him – and a very real way."
Sarah, who left many marvelling at her strength throughout what sounded like a long and difficult journey, added: "I don’t want to give the impression that we’re drawing pictures and dancing all the time. We’re not.
"There are days when I’m desperately lonely, and it hurts like hell, and I’m a cranky mammy that they don’t deserve.
"But for the most part, we’ve a lovely life. A terrible thing happened to us, but we have a lovely life full of people who love and support us.
"Mal very much lives on in both of his girls."
