Andrew McGinley dropped from Late Late Show last minute over letter sent to RTÉ

"Many people who knew the children well were looking forward to the show, especially many of the kids' friends."

Earlier this year, Andrew McGinley announced that he would be joining Ryan Tubridy for an episode of the Late Late Show.

The father tragically lost his children - Conor, Darragh and Carla - last year.

McGinley was planning on launching As Darragh Did, a charity initiative, during his appearance on the show. However, hours before the Late Late went to air, Andrew's appearance was cancelled.

The father recently told the Irish Independent that the interview was cancelled after RTÉ received a letter that said it would be "painful and traumatic" to see him discuss his children.

"I was informed by RTÉ that they had received a letter which said that it could be a painful and traumatic experience to see me talking about Conor, Darragh and Carla on the Late Late Show," McGinley said.

"Many people who knew the children well were looking forward to the show, especially many of the kids’ friends who were being allowed to stay up to watch them being talked about with Ryan."

He added: "I would have been conscious of that but I only speak with love when I talk about Conor, Darragh and Carla."

Andrew was scheduled to appear on the talk show alongside Peter Schmeichel, Rosanna Davison and Ruth Negga.

Over the past year, McGinley has been honouring his children's memories through three projects, one named after each child.

They are As Darragh Did, Conor's Clips and Snowman for Carla.

As Darragh Did was set up in memory of seven-year-old Darragh, who loved sports. The charity raises funds for clubs and societies around the country and encourages children to get involved.

Conor's Clips was established for his eldest son Conor, who was nine-years-old when he passed away. The YouTube channel was launched because Conor himself wanted to be a YouTuber.

Snowman for Carla is a colouring competition Andrew organised with the Irish Independent to honour his late daughter, three-year-old Carla, who always wanted to build a snowman.