TLDR: Patrick Kielty’s television firm, Pamanco Ireland Ltd, reported a dip in profits despite a successful second season hosting RTÉ’s Late Late Show. The company’s pre-tax profits fell by 9%, while dividends paid out totalled €218,590. With contract negotiations pending, questions remain about his future with the show.
Having taken over the reins of RTÉ’s iconic Late Late Show from Ryan Tubridy, Patrick Kielty has embarked on a rollercoaster ride through his second season as host. Yet while the viewing numbers surged—his Home Alone-themed Late Late Toy Show marking a record-breaking tally of over 1.6 million viewers—financial results from his company, Pamanco Ireland Ltd, tell a different tale, revealing a troubling decline in profitability, as reported by RTÉ.
Incorporated in May 2023, Pamanco Ireland Ltd saw its pre-tax profits dip by 9% to €158,908 for the year ending July 31, 2025. Revenue also fell by 6%, underscoring the pressures on the operation. Cash funds shrunk from €113,393 to €94,287, leading to a reduction in accumulated profits to €71,982 after a notable dividend payout of €218,590. It’s a stark reminder that even lamp-lit sets and celebrity schmoozing can’t shield a company from the tough realities of the entertainment industry.
One might wonder if such financial strains are clouding Kielty’s tenure at the helm of RTÉ’s flagship programme. The broadcaster’s Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, confirmed on May 20 that they are still in negotiation talks with Kielty, whose three-year contract—which pays €250,000 annually—expires imminently. Bakhurst suggested that, while RTÉ hopes to retain Kielty, they must formulate a contingency plan should talks fizzle out. If this doesn’t scream “suspenseful drama,” we don’t know what does.
The most recent average viewership stats are also telling. An impressive 385,000 viewers per episode coupled with a hefty 38.2% market share show there’s still a craving for his unique blend of charm and wit. Yet, therein lies a conundrum: will Kielty’s declining profits tarnish his appeal among audiences, or will his established rapport draw viewers enough to buffer those financial cracks?
While the pressures of contract negotiations loom, let’s not forget the inherent absurdity of a television broadcaster that can show over 1.4 million streams yet still report diminished returns—one could argue that this is reflective of the broader challenges faced by the media industry today. Perhaps it serves as a sobering reminder that the number of eyeballs doesn’t always translate into healthy bank accounts.
On a lighter note, it’s almost poetic that Kielty, previously known for shows like Fame Academy and Love Island, now finds himself pivoting between the dramatic world of reality TV and late-night talk show heaviness. If his experience has taught him anything, it’s likely how to ride the waves of scrutiny and expectation with a hint of resilience and a splash of good humour.
As for fun facts that weave back to our story—did you know that the Late Late Show is not just a talk show phenomenon in Ireland but has also become a cultural institution, being the longest-running chat show in the world? It’s been on air since 1962, proving that while hosts may come and go, the show itself continues to capture the Irish spirit.
In the unpredictable realm of entertainment, one thing is for sure: Patrick Kielty’s rollercoaster hold on the Late Late Show is only just beginning, leaving us eager to see how this particular script unfolds.
Reporting by Gordon Deegan, www.rte.ie
