Ireland/Switzerland: Celine Dion surprises Pat Kenny at IFTAs

by Jessica Weaver 2,218 views

Last week saw broadcasting veteran and host of the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, Pat Kenny, receive the Lifetime Achievement award at the IFTA Gala TV Awards, featuring a special greeting from the Eurovision winner of that year, Celine Dion.

Spanning four decades, Pat Kenny’s long-running career has seen the Irish presenting veteran host various television and radio shows across the broadcaster RTÉ, becoming one of the most popular presenters in the country.

IFTA Lifetime Achievement award

Kenny, whose notable presenting roles include the RTÉ Radio 1 show Today with Pat Kenny and The Late Late Show, as well as hosting the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest alongside Michelle Rocca, received high recognition for his work over the years, going on to pick up the Lifetime Achievement award at the Dublin-hosted IFTA Gala TV Awards last week.

In a surprise video message in the lead up to the presentation, 1988 Eurovision winner Celine Dion recorded a special message for the award-winning presenter, speaking of her fond memories with the broadcaster during the 1988 competition.

Dear Pat, I could not miss your big night with your Lifetime Achievement award from the Irish Academy. Congratulations, this honour is so well deserved.

I remember all these years back when you played a key role in my special night at the Eurovision in Dublin, remember? And I know René, who is up there, joins me to celebrate this award with you. I send you all my love and my warmest wishes. Congratulations again!

Watch the full video featuring Dion here!