Imagine tuning in on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting the familiar voices and festive cheer from Dublin’s Grafton Street, only to find it’s gone. That’s exactly what happened this year, leaving fans—and even Brendan O’Carroll of Mrs Brown’s Boys fame—scratching their heads in surprise. But here’s where it gets controversial: RTE’s decision to cancel the live broadcast has sparked questions about tradition, transition, and the future of beloved holiday programming.
For years, Brendan O’Carroll and former Liveline host Joe Duffy co-hosted this heartwarming show, where shoppers would share shout-outs to loved ones across the globe. From Australia to Argentina, it was a slice of home for many. But with Joe stepping down and newcomer Kieran Cuddihy taking the reins, RTE opted to pause the broadcast, citing operational reasons. They promise it’ll return, but for now, fans are left wondering: Why now?
Brendan didn’t hold back his thoughts, telling The Irish Sun, ‘It’s certainly not a decision I would make.’ He believes the show could have been the perfect handover from Joe to Kieran, a symbolic passing of the torch. ‘I’m sure Kieran would have been well able for it,’ he added. And this is the part most people miss: the broadcast wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a tradition, a connection to home for those far away. Brendan lamented, ‘That’s not happening this year.’
Here’s where opinions might clash: Brendan hinted that if Joe hadn’t retired, the show might have gone ahead. ‘I think Joe would have had a lot of say in this,’ he said. Is RTE’s decision a missed opportunity, or a necessary pause? And why stop there? RTE also passed on airing Shedites, a new comedy drama from Brendan’s BOC Productions and BBC Studios, which will air on BBC1 instead. Brendan joked, ‘Maybe RTE are hedging their bets,’ but it raises questions about the broadcaster’s strategy.
Shedites, set in a men’s shed outside Dublin, boasts a stellar Irish cast, including Simon Delaney, Deirdre O’Kane, and Brendan’s son Danny O’Carroll. Brendan plays Jimmy O’Brien, a character writer Paddy Houlihan based on him: ‘a grumpy little guy who speaks his mind.’ Sounds familiar?
Amidst the TV drama, Brendan’s generosity shines. He’s funding 670 Christmas dinners through St Vincent De Paul, proving his heart’s as big as Mrs Brown’s. And while Mrs Brown’s Boys will still air on RTE One this Christmas, the absence of the Grafton Street broadcast leaves a void.
So, what do you think? Was RTE right to pause the show, or should tradition have prevailed? And is their decision to skip Shedites a missed opportunity? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation that’s just getting started.
