Toy Show appeal raises huge amount for worthy childrens charities
The Late Late Toy Show appeal smashed fundraising expectations yet again, pulling in a phenomenal total for children in need as the 50th anniversary spectacular lit up Donnybrook.
Patrick Kielty helmed the festive chaos, backed by a brilliant crew of young performers who sang and danced their way through a studio buried in tinsel, twinkling lights and snowy magic.
This year’s theme? The Grinch. The iconic, green, fuzzy curmudgeon made famous by Jim Carrey 25 years ago, and brilliantly brought to life by Kielty himself tonight.
Declan Ryan (6) from Cork, Toy Demonstrator at The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Six-year-old Declan Ryan from Cork was one of the children who stole the nation’s heart tonight. A die-hard golf fan, he was left speechless when Shane Lowry popped up in a surprise video message inviting him to next year’s Irish Open as a VIP guest.
The magic didn’t stop there. Declan was also gifted a tournament flag signed by all his golfing heroes, sending the young golfer over the moon.
Keelan Tiernan (10) and Dylan Bowe (10) from Dublin with Roy Keane at The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Two youngsters were left speechless when Roy Keane popped in to surprise them at the Toy Show.
Ten-year-olds Keelan Tiernan and Dylan Bowe climbed a tower of toys to knock down all the prizes, which were then packed up for delivery to children in hospital.
George Malone (10) and Ophelia Malone (6) from Waterford, Toy Demonstrator at The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Waterford siblings George (10) and Ophelia Malone (6) danced straight into the nation’s hearts, showing off slick street-dance moves and bags of personality.
RTE producers pulled off a massive surprise for a schoolgirl choir who had auditioned but missed out on the live Toy Show. During their watch party, the girls suddenly found themselves on screen and minutes later on a bus to Donnybrook to join the show.
Superfans of CMAT, they performed one of her biggest hits… before the singer herself walked on set straight from her 3Arena gig, leaving the girls utterly speechless.
CMAT closed the show by revealing the night’s massive fundraising total: €4,003,179 for children’s charities.
Another Toy Show wrapped, another incredible haul for worthy causes, and thousands of kids across Ireland heading to bed buzzing after a night of pure Christmas magic.
Enjoy some more photos of the show below.
Katie Marron & Eva Hughes representing Monaghan in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
(L-R) Oisin Kehoe representing Laois in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. • Naomi Gribben representing Down in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. • Ashling O’Sullivan representing Kerry in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Alex Shaw, representing Kildare in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Rhys Morrissey representing Cork in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Layla Doyle (11) from Rathangan, Co. Kildare, Toy Demonstrator at The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Young performers light up the stage with their rendition of “Killeagh” on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
Shay Dorgan (7) from Cork, Toy Demonstrator at The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
• Rian Gunde representing Galway in the County Parade on The Late Late Toy Show 2025.Pic: Andres Poveda
Young performers light up the stage with their rendition of “APT” on The Late Late Toy Show 2025. Pic: Andres Poveda
