Marty Morrissey was turned down when he asked if he could host the Late Late Show.
The much-loved sports correspondent revealed he told senior management he would be interested in taking over from Ryan Tubridy, who stepped down last Friday after 14 years.
However, RTE bosses turned Marty down and instead chose Patrick Kielty as the next host of the Friday night chat show. The popular presenter said: “I did put my hand up to be honest but I didn’t get it.
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“I said I would be interested - like everybody else. Sure you’d put your hand up for anything that’s going,” he said laughing.
But Morrissey said he was “delighted” for his pal Patrick Kielty getting the job. He added: “Me and him have been good friends for years.
"When I launched my book, he did a video piece for me. We’ve done gigs together and I’ve great time for him.
“I rang him and I’ve been chatting to him. I think he’s going to come to a football or hurling match with me. He’s genuinely a great choice and I think he will bring a new dimension to the Late Late Show.”
Marty believes Patrick will change the format of the show to suit a new audience. “I would imagine (he would bring an American comedic format) to the show.
"He has an array of skills. I don’t know and I haven’t been talking to anybody but I presume they’ll change the format.”
The RTE star defended speculation that Patrick's London base might make him out of touch with Irish society. He said: “I think Paddy will know exactly what is going on.”
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