The late, great Larry Gogan was remembered in a very special way today as his twelve grandkids continued his tradition of playing the very first Christmas song of the year on RTÉ's 2fm.
The gorgeous moment took place during 2FM's Breakfast with Doireann and Eoghan this morning. Ahead of the track being played Eoghan McDermott said: "It was a tradition for decades that Larry Gogan always played the first song marking the start of Christmas for so many people on 1 December.
"We were on air when the news broke that he had died. The whole building was shook. He was a good age, he had spritely energy about him the whole time. He had no intentions of winding down.
Every hour was a golden hour with Larry Gogan
He added: "Everyone in this game has an ego - you have to back yourself. Larry always had a word of encouragement for you - he always had a compliment. He'd give you a hug without giving you a hug."
Gogan's grandkids then took over the airwaves to continue their grandad's decades-old tradition of playing the first Christmas song on 2FM.
December 1st.
— RTÉ 2FM (@RTE2fm) December 1, 2020
The day Larry Gogan officially kicks off Christmas on 2FM.
Sadly, this is the first Christmas Larry isn't with us. However, we've asked Larry's grandkids to help us out this year, and what a beautiful job they did.
Happy Christmas Larry x pic.twitter.com/cSBbsg8Ymv
They said: "December 1 was always a very special day for our grandad Larry. For week's before he would get the same question from everyone every year.
"What song are you starting this Christmas with?"
They added: "This year, sadly, Larry is no longer with us. And we miss him loads.
"So to mark this day the Larry way we have chosen a Christmas song for him. This year's first Christmas song on 2fm is All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey.
"Happy Christmas Larry."
After the song, McDermott concluded: "Larry we miss you, we love you."
The radio legend, who spent almost six decades on Irish airwaves, died at the age of 85 on 7 January, 2020.
Tonight's Cloch le Carn on RTÉ One explores Gogan's extraordinary life who was a passionate supporter of new Irish acts, from Bob Geldof to Brendan Shine.
Larry's Cloch le Carn, 7pm on RTÉ One
