Turtle hurler aiming for best-sheller charts

A FICTIONAL turtle who has mastered the skills of hurling is the central character in a new book that aims to promote GAA and wellness to underprivileged children in Uganda.

Tach goes to Africa was launched in Kampala this weekend in collaboration with the Ugandan-based Equator Gaels GAA Club. It is hoped the book will not only add to the growing popularity of hurling and GAA in the East African country, but that it will contribute to the general development of young Ugandans also.

Written by Dubai-based best-selling children’s author, Saniya Chughtai, and available in Irish and English, the book is the third in a series featuring Tach the Turtle. Sponsored by the Irish Society in Dubai, it takes young readers on Tach’s captivating journey to Africa — with his hurley — filled with surprises, laughter, and the magic of new friendships.

Fans tuning in from home were thrilled with the revelation and moved by how emotional Patrick appeared. One viewer tweeted: “What a lovely end to the Late Late Show. Probably the first time that @PatricKielty has been left truly speechless”.

Another added: “A really uplifting and nostalgic #LateLateShow tonight. A great lead in to the Championship. The people you meet and interact with are what it’s all about as seen by the emotion of @ PatricKielty at the end. Some night ahead for them.”

Someone else commented: “Okay now that’s a nice touch. Kielty’s Down minor team surprising him.”

Yet another fan remarked: “A bit of a Toy Show moment there. Lovely moment”.

And one more chimed in: “Good #latelate that and a nice gotcha at the end”.

Another post that heaped praise on the host read: “He’s changed the heart of the show, and he’ll just get better.”