Legendary musician John Sheahan leads this Friday night's Late Late Show line up, which also includes champion jockey Pat Smullen, three of Ireland's leading crime fiction writers, Irish international goalkeeper Darren Randolph and his mother Anne.
With more than a half-century of performing experience under his belt, Sheahan is one of Ireland’s most recognisable and most-loved folk musicians.
To celebrate his 80th birthday, he will join host Ryan Tubridy and some familiar faces for chats and tunes, including Declan O’Rourke, Damien Dempsey, Ralph McTell, Phelim Drew, and Steve Wickham.
Nine-time Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018 and, following medical advice, announced his retirement earlier this month. Pat joins Ryan to discuss how it felt to come to that decision, and what the future holds.
Three of the leading lights of the Irish crime fiction scene - internationally-successful authors Liz Nugent, Jo Spain and Patricia Gibney - will discuss how they started writing, the secrets to their success and why people are so fascinated with the world of crime.
Over the years, Anne Randolph has been a constant support for her goalkeeper son Darren, who plays for both Middlesbrough and Ireland, but now she’s stepping in to the limelight to pursue a singing career.
Anne and Darren will join Ryan to discuss why she’s finally taking the leap, and find out how Darren's preparations are coming along ahead of the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Viewers will also find out whether the budding restorers taking part in this year’s Late Late Show Antiques Challenge were successful in their efforts to restore and revive.
And there's music from Soda Blonde, a new band formed by four of the five members of Little Green Cars.
