Ryan Tubridy led tributes to cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan on the Late Late Show on Friday night, leaving heartbroken viewers "in tears."
Brave Vicky passed away on Monday aged 48, and she was laid to rest in a private funeral yesterday with her close family and friends in attendance. At the start of Friday night's show, a visibly moved Ryan Tubridy gave a speech about Vicky's bravery and the "impact she had on this country and women and on families and on the system".
He said: "Before we do anything else tonight, let me and let us remember Vicky Phelan. I mentioned this during the week but I’m going to say it again because some people are simply too alive to die, and Vicky Phelan was one such person.
Read more: Family of Vicky Phelan says goodbye as campaigner laid to rest following private funeral
"We knew this would end badly, we knew that this story would end sadly but it was, to be honest with you, still such a shock to all of us when the news came through that Vicky had died. Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of Vicky Phelan."
He added: "We’re thinking of Darragh and Amelia and Jim, and Vicky’s parents Gabby and John. We’re gonna honour Vicky in our small way tonight, we’re gonna acknowledge the impact she had on this country and women and on families and on the system.
“Through her refusal to be silenced she saved lives. Few people in recent Irish history have made such a profound difference on women’s healthcare and how patients are treated. She fought the system while she herself was suffering."
Ryan said that the country had lost "an ally and an advocate – the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again." He also spoke about Vicky's 'fun' personality and natural leadership, saying she was "the best President this country never had."
Social media users flocked to Twitter to pay their own tributes. One person wrote: "In tears here tonight. RIP Vicky Phelan, you won't be forgotten."
A second person wrote: "What a moving tribute to @PhelanVicky A formidable woman, an amazing patient advocate, a beautiful mother. From one Mooncoin woman to another, thank you for all you have done to progress the patient voice."
A third added: "Vicky was an incredible woman. The whole of the nation is mourning the loss of our Warrior Queen."
A fourth commented: "Everytime I watch her, every time I listen to her, every time I think of her I have to catch my breath as result of her splendour. An institution let you down, a country watched you rise. You have thought us so much, Vicky thank you."
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