Down GAA led the congratulations to Patrick Kielty after he was named the next host of The Late Late Show on RTÉ.
Kielty (52) on Saturday was named successor to Ryan Turbidy and will begin hosting the next season of the show starting in September.
Following the announcement. the television presenter and comic, from Dundrum, Co Down, joked on social media he was letting everyone know just in case RTÉ changed its mind.
"I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world. I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television," he said in a statement issued by the broadcaster.
RTÉ also said the new presenter will travel between his home in Fulham, west London, where he lives with his wife, Cat Deeley, and two young boys, and Dublin.
Down GAA was among the first to congratulate Kielty:"Congratulations to our own Patrick Kielty (an All-Ireland Minor Championship winner with Down in 1987) who has been announced as the new host of The Late Late Show on RTÉ."
Broadcaster Gerry Kelly, in an interview with the Sunday Life prior to the announcement, said he tipped the northerner "a long time ago", believing he "seemed like the best choice" of those available.
On the presenting job, Kelly said: "It’s tough work and you’ve got to be totally committed to it because it’s a monster that just needs fed once a week.
“Once Friday comes around the show is done, the monster needs feeding again for the next show so surround yourself with good young researchers, listen to them, and get involved fully.
“Presenting the show is the easiest part of it all, it’s getting there, and the work you do beforehand, I’m sure Paddy knows that already though.
In a statement, RTÉ said: "During the series Patrick will spend the majority of his time in Ireland, but will of course continue to be back and forward to London to be with his wife and young family”.
Kielty will become the fourth full-time presenter of the show for the 61st season after Tubridy, Pat Kenny and Gay Byrne.
While he is best known as a stand-up and television presenter of shows of varying quality, Kielty made two well received and award winning documentary series in more recent years.
His father Jack, a businessman, was murdered in a loyalist sectarian attack in 1988.
My Dad, The Peace Deal and Me was BAFTA-nominated while Patrick Kielty:100 Years of Union won an RTS award.
Jim Jennings, RTÉ’s Director of Content said: “Patrick Kielty is undoubtedly one of Ireland's finest comedians, a fantastic presenter with a depth of experience, and a range of talents that will bring an exciting new dynamic to the show.
"Patrick's personality and passion is sure to connect with audiences and I look forward to it bursting on to screens in September.
"We have very definite ideas for the show already in the works and we’ll be busy behind the scenes shaping the series for launch. We’ll be back in August to tell you all about it."
