More than 1.6 million people watched The Late Late Toy Show both on TV and online throughout the weekend, including catch-up views, according to RTÉ.
Viewing of the flagship show on the RTÉ Player resulted in a record 622,000 streams at home and abroad.
Streams spanned 139 countries, including each of the 50 states of the US and all eight Australian territories.
On the night in question, some 21 per cent of live streams came from outside of Ireland, while videos posted on RTÉ's social media platforms garnered 18.4 million video views and 1.4 million engagements across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and BlueSky.
Donald Trump is changing America in ways that will reverberate long after he is dead
The jawdropper; the quickest split; the good turn: Miriam Lord’s 2024 Political Awards
The mystery is not why we Irish have responded to Israel’s barbarism. It’s why others have not
Enoch Burke released from prison as judge doubles fine for showing up at school
Some €4.9 million in donations was raised through The Late Late Toy Show appeal, a fundraising initiative for children’s charities that coincides with the broadcast.
It brings the total amount raised since the appeal’s inception in 2020 to more than €26 million.
Host Patrick Kielty described the amount raised as “mind-blowing”, adding that the difference the funds will make to children and families across the country is “truly humbling”.
“I can’t believe it’s over for another year but I’m still buzzing from a magical Toy Show last Friday night. As always that’s down to the amazing kids who knocked it out of the park with their performances, their toy demos and bringing their unique personalities, and to you at home for watching and sharing the love on the night.
“Thank you so much for making it a night to remember,” he said.
Denise Charlton, chief executive of Community Foundation Ireland said the generosity of viewers will “transform young lives in every county”.
“As the money continues to flow in, we will now begin the work of turning it into positive action to meet essential needs, address health and wellbeing, as well as promoting play and creativity,” she said.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis
