THE LATE Late Show is paying tribute to Chieftains' founder Paddy Moloney, through music, songs and stories tribute, hours after the music legend is laid to rest.
Requiem Mass for Moloney is taking place at 11am today in St Kevin’s Church in Glendalough, Co Wicklow.
The 83-year-old, who died suddenly on Tuesday, will be buried in the adjoining cemetery.
President Michael D Higgins is among dignitaries attending the funeral of the uilleann pipe player piper, tin whistle player and composer who formed The Chieftains in 1962.
It was not clear yesterday how large a funeral would be permitted under Covid-19 regulations.
At the 2008 funeral of The Dubliners' Ronnie Drew an estimated 3,000 people attended the funeral mass in the same village, with Finbar Furey, Phil Coulter, jazz guitarist Louis Stewart, folk singer Eleanor Shanley, Don Baker, Mike Hanrahan of Stockton's Wing, and the remaining members of the Dubliners performing.
The Late Late show tribute is expected to be a poignant reminder of Moloney's talent.
It will also feature conversation with Ballymena actor Liam Neeson, broadcaster Angela Scanlon and rugby star Keith EarlsMr Moloney was the founder and leading figure of The Chieftains, which he set up along with Sean Potts and Michael Tubridy, in the early 1960s.
Neeson, who faced backlash after admitting in 2019 he wanted to kill a "black b******", will talk about his important role, as Unicef's Goodwill Ambassador for the Get a Vaccine - Give a Vaccine campaign.
Earls, the second-highest try-scorer in the Ireland jersey, will discuss his `many physical and mental battles throughout his time in professional rugby'.
