The first part of the documentary Brendan Grace - Thanks for the Memories left viewers in tears when it aired on RTÉ One on Monday night as the much-missed entertainer and his friends told their story of putting on a show with a difference.
Grace, who passed away in July after a battle with cancer, had been working with the Forget-Me-Nots choir - an inclusive community choir for both those suffering with dementia and their families and friends.
In February, he had decided to document his return to the stage on Dublin's Olympia for a show with the Forget-Me-Nots, with support from many of his old pals from showbusiness.
But when the Dubliner received his devastating diagnosis the documentary took on a different urgency and poignancy.
At the start of the first episode Grace introduced the programme with a heartbreaking piece to camera recorded days before his death.
"Hiya folks, this is Brendan Grace here," he said. "Not as well as I usually am, but I set out to do a documentary, and I wanted to dedicate it to Alzheimer's/dementia. And I'm glad we're going ahead with it, even though I'm not well.
"I'd like to be here when it's over, but I want you to enjoy it very well. I had hoped to be in better condition doing it, but I don't have to be in better condition - you have.
"And the title of it is, Thanks for the Memories. Love you all."
The second part of Brendan Grace - Thanks for the Memories airs on RTÉ One on Monday, October 7 at 9:35pm. Watch the first episode on the RTÉ Player.
Here are just some of the reactions:
Who is watching @RTEOne #BrendanGrace #thanksforthememories? A truly remarkable man full of heart, love and kindness for those with #dementia & to see all the joy Brendan bought to @FMNchoir.
— The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (@alzheimersocirl) September 30, 2019
Norah Walsh and all @FMNchoir thank you all too & @RTEOne for this tremendous programme. https://t.co/5cyiJ2C71p
Brendan Grace is in a league of his own for love, laughter and being a total hero for me in my lifetime. The documentary #thanksforthememories is a gift of inspiration for us all as we go about our daily life 🙏😇
— Nicola Kearns (@NickiKearns) September 30, 2019
Brendan Grace and The Forget me nots choir truly beautiful 🙏
— DAMIEN (@damien5656) September 30, 2019
Watching #BrendanGrace #ThanksForTheMemories @rte Sad he's gone.... great he made that program to raise awareness of #Dementia
— Tom Keating (@tomdkeating) September 30, 2019
I am in tears watching the Brendan Grace programme. It is beautifully done but really hitting me hard.
— Maeve Bergin (@mb3239) September 30, 2019
The Brendan Grace documentary is genuinely poignant and lovely. I'm of the generation that grew up with #Botler on the telly. #brendangrace @rte
— Jacqueline (Jackie) O' Toole Ph.D. (@jackieotoole50) September 30, 2019
@LambeLisa what a beautiful piece with you & #BrendanGrace on @rte programme #ThanksForTheMemories loved it
— Raymond Poole (@Aladinsane40) September 30, 2019
#Brendangrace really was an Irish institution, a gentleman and naturally funny boned, rip @RTEOne #thanksforthememories #rte
— Cosyhome Art and Interiors (@MaguireCarmel) September 30, 2019
What a generous caring and funny man he was to the very end 😢#brendanGrace #thanksforthememories
— sally murray (@salmur05) September 30, 2019
#BrendanGrace wonderful documentary. He had a lovely way of making people feel at ease.
— Bruce (@BruceTheYorkie) September 30, 2019
This Brendan Grace documentary is quite beautiful, even to a jaded old cynic like me.
— Damian (@dublin_damo) September 30, 2019
Such a sweetheart, #BrendanGrace, spending even his final days thinking of others #thanksforthemomories
— CarrieD (@CarrieDavy) September 30, 2019
Watching the Brendan Grace #thanksforthememories it is a wonderful documentary. #BrendanGrace was always a gent. An excellent project of the Choirs. #olympia
— Margaret (@xantia8) September 30, 2019
This is really tugging at the heartstrings. #brendangrace what an beautiful thoughtful man and quite obvious he wasn't well at all during all of this. #thanksforthememories #RTE
— Orna Cassidy (@Ornaphoto) September 30, 2019
Ah #BrendanGrace so sad to watch! What a great last deed! #thankyouforthememories @RTEOne #Alzheimers #theforgetmenots
— AchillK8 (@achillk8) September 30, 2019
Lovely programme on #RTE now about #brendangrace and the #forgetmenotchoir the man had a huge heart.
— Lancer (@lancer_325) September 30, 2019
@RTEOne watchn the amazing Brendan Grace with a tear in my eye & a sad heart knowing he is gone. TV & @radiomidwest recordings will keep him alive for us. For his family, how he engraved his love & presence into your hearts, I hope your memories support you as you watch him ❤
— MadMary4mMayo (@MadMary4mMayo) September 30, 2019
Brendan Grace - thanks for the memories 💔💔 bawling from the get go 💔
— órla (@okendy) September 30, 2019
#thanksforthemomeries love to you always #BrendanGrace. 😘❤ xx
— gemma kelly (@redgemck1) September 30, 2019
He was some man ❤️ #brendangrace
— Ciara Nash (@Kiks31) September 30, 2019
Hard to believe it is nearly 3 months since the legend that is #BrendanGrace left us.What a beautiful tribute on @RTEOne just now❤ #BrendanGraceThanksForTheMemories
— Mags Murphy (@margaretb2010) September 30, 2019
What a lovely man Brendan grace was, heartbreaking to see him just before the end, ever the showman and wanting the show to go on despite knowing he wouldn't make it. So sad #BrendanGrace #thanksforthememories
— Andra Johnston (@IamAndraJ) September 30, 2019
