Ryan Tubridy thanks public as RTE's Late Late Show special raises over €3m for Ukraine

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, humanitarian Adi Roche, Dublin-band Aslan, singer/songwriter Róisín Murphy, and Hollywood actor Alan Cumming all supported the appeal and paid respect to the people of Ukraine on the show.

The vital funds raised in aid of Irish Red Cross will provide assistance to those directly impacted by the war in Ukraine and assist the humanitarian work of those directly on the ground in providing basic human needs such as food, water, medical supplies and shelter.

This work is being carried out by the Red Cross Societies on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries including Poland, Romania and Hungary.

Discussing the incredible amount of money raised by the Irish public, presenter Ryan Tubriday said the Late Late show team were taken aback about the whopping number of donations.

“The Irish people rose to the occasion and donated over three million euro which is just remarkable.”

“The story in Ukraine has touched the nation's hearts and the bravery and courage of the Ukrainian people to come to the audience last night, it won’t be forgotten and is greatly appreciated,” he added.

“As always, the whole Late Late Show team, are gratefully beyond belief to the Irish people for what they did last night.”

On behalf of The Late Late team, Producers Katherine Drohan and Jane Murphy said: “Once again the people of Ireland have responded with empathy and incredible generosity when we’ve called on them for support through The Late Late Show.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, their families and friends in Ireland and the many aid workers across Europe who will assist in the emergency response.”

The Secretary-General of Irish Red Cross, Liam O’Dwyer said that they are very grateful to RTE, The Late Late Show and Ryan Tubridy for the incredible support in raising an amazing amount of money that will "make a huge difference to the people affected by the crisis in Ukraine".

“We must remember and thank so many Irish people that donated,” he continued.

“This money and we assure them their donations will make a huge difference on the ground where the various Red Cross societies are working 24/7 to alleviate human suffering.

“In just one week they have donated just over nine million euro including the amount raised on last night’s Late Late Show. We want to assure that the money is going directly towards food, water, medicines and shelter to refugees and Ukrainian people.”

He encouraged the Irish public to consider registering a pledge on the Irish Red Cross website if they are in a position to offer Ukrainian refugees the choice of a room in their home, or if they had a spare property that could be made available.

Donation lines will remain open over the course of the weekend. People can donate online at: donate.redcross.ie or by phone: 1800 948 258