Ryan Tubridy left listeners in floods of tears this morning after reading aloud an extraordinary letter from an 11-year-old boy who'll watching the Toy Show with a "fizzing" of emotions this year after the death of his uncle in January.
The RTE chief was audibly moved by a letter from Fiachna in Belturbet, Co Cavan, which described his family's Late Late Toy Show ritual and the heartbreaking story of his uncle's death aged 42.
Fiachna's uncle – described by the brave young man as the "cool uncle, the one who always played with us and gave the best presents" – watched the Toy Show with his nieces and nephews last year, the last time he visited their house before being admitted to hospital.
Now, 11 months and one Toy Show on from his tragic passing, Tubridy read aloud that Fiachna and his family will be watching again with pizza, treats and a "fizzing" of emotions.
"I have fizzy feelings of happy and sad all mixed together," wrote Fiachna. "And I'm just really, really glad that the Toy Show is happening.
"I know that cancelling some things is hard, but missing one of your family changes everything.
"So good luck on Friday, Mr Toyman. We'll be watching, probably eating takeaway pizza and lots of treats, but definitely feeling a little bit sad as well."
Tubs, who was left on the verge of tears by the power of the letter, said: "Life is full of wonderful moments, but it's peppered with sad moments.
"When you're an adult, you still have the fizzing feelings. And when you're little, you have the fizzing feelings. But we as adults can't describe them as well as you, because we're not as smart as you.
"So you watch that show tomorrow, and you cry your eyes out, or whatever you want to do.
"Laugh, it doesn't matter a damn. And drink your drinks, and eat your treats, and be happy, and remember your uncle.
"And remember all the good times. Because he sounds like he was a very, very beautiful person – like you."
