Richard Branson has recalled an embarrassing moment he was caught out by Gay Byrne on the Late Late Show.
But the Virgin Group chief nonetheless described the legendary broadcaster as "truly unforgettable".
The former talk show host, who spent 37 years at its helm, had been ill for some time and sadly passed away at the age of 85 on Monday.
And businessman Branson revealed his first meeting with Gay would turn out to be his most memorable.
He said: "He invited me on for an interview when I was quite young and, despite him being the most influential person in Ireland, I was not overly familiar with his show.
"Being dyslexic I am apt to forget names from time to time, especially if I have lots of interviews in short succession.
“Three quarters through the show, Gay asked me: ‘What have you got written on your hand?’ I sheepishly turned it over to reveal I had 'Gay Byrne' penned on my skin. He was crestfallen.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Gay on numerous other occasions.
"He later interviewed me for his show The Meaning of Life and we had a fascinating discussion about religion; we had differing views but a fascinating debate.
"Off-air, he brought up the name-on-hand incident and we shared a joke about it.
“Despite my mishap, Gay is truly unforgettable. He was an integral part of Irish life and I wish all the best to his loved ones.”
Gay's funeral mass will be held at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough Street in Dublin city centre at 12pm on Friday, November 8.
His family are asking anyone who wished to make a donation to please do so to either to the Irish Cancer Society at St Francis Hospice.
A statement on RIP.ie reads: "Sadly missed by his family, relatives, neighbours, former work colleagues and a wide circle of friends.
"Departing on Friday, 8 November 2019, through Howth, at 11.00am arriving for Requiem Mass at 12.00pm at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough Street, followed by a private burial in St. Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton.
"Family flowers only, please. Donations, in lieu, to the Irish Cancer Society and/or St Francis Hospice. House Private."
Television coverage of the funeral will be streamed live on the RTE Player and on RTE.ie, available to audiences worldwide.
Beginning at 11.30am on RTE One and RTE News Now, Bryan Dobson will present a special programme featuring coverage of the funeral mass. John Bowman and Mary Kennedy will provide commentary of the ceremony.
