Those who tuned in to Let The Rest Of The World Go By were left in floods of tears after the heartfelt documentary on RTÉ last night.
The show told the story of close pals Matt Murphy and Michael O’Sullivan, who ended up marrying.
Matt grew up in rural Ireland during the 1940’s – calling Cashel in Tipperary his home
He was born as an illegitimate child - but was saved from adoption by his grandparents posing as his parents.
In his early 20s he moved to Dublin, joining the P&T, which became Eircom, almost two decades later.
It was here he met Michael, who was 20 years his junior and the two struck up a great friendship.
That was until Matt retired and they lost contact for many years.
Matt became lonely among his many treasured items and keepsakes in his home in Stoneybatter.
His health was failing – until circumstances brought him and Michael back into contact, where Michael began looking after him.
Matt promised his house to Michael on his death for all his help and companionship – but inheritance tax would cause an issue.
What followed was a casual comment from a mutual friend of theirs - which brought about a whirlwind few months that ended in a beautiful wedding between the pair.
Viewers were full of praise for the emotional documentary on social media
‘A great documentary about a beautiful relationship. Everybody needs somebody. #michaelandmatt’ tweeted one person
‘Inheritance tax is a ridiculous concept. We pay enough tax in this world as it is. Fair play to them.’ said another.
‘Well done showing on such a beautiful human story. Just Gorgeous. Honestly, so sweet. God isn't Inheritance tax just an absolute con that they even had to do that. #michaelandmatt #rip’ added presenter Baz Ashmawy
‘’Regardless of whether you agree with what they did or not, what is glaringly blatant is the special friendship the two shared. We’d all be lucky to have a Michael or a Matt in our lives.’’ another tweet said.
Sadly, Matt passed away in 2020.
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