The army sergeant who was flown home to surprise his kids on the Late Late Toy Show, will actually fly back out to Mali next week.
But Graham Burke was still be flying back home for Christmas.
In an interview with the Irish Mail On Sunday, the Sergeant said coming home on the Late Late Toy Show was “a dream come true.”
Months ago RTÉ looked to bring home a member of the Defence Forces as part of the Late Late Toy Show, Graham applied but said he totally forgot about it.
“I threw my name into a hat and then forgot about it for a while,” he said.
“Then, I got the call from my boss and before I knew it, I was on a plane from Mali. I was absolutely over the moon.”
The father of three said coming home and being on the show “was like winning the Lotto”.
“I felt a bit embarrassed just before I went on TV, but I thought this is something the children will have forever, and I’ll have forever.
“It was powerful, and I wanted to do it for the Defence Forces, for all the troops overseas, who struggle being away from their families.
“And those at home who take on both mantles and become both mam and dad to their kids.”
Adam and Kayla Burke from Middleton, Co Cork reunited with their dad Sergeant Graham Burke back from Mali where he has been completing his 6th tour of duty peacekeeping overseas #LateLateToyShow pic.twitter.com/HwqtCSwADR
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) December 1, 2017
Graham’s two eldest children unwrapped their dad on the show, who was sitting in an oversized gift box.
Graham added it has been “very, very hard” to be away from his family.
“It would break your heart leaving them. One of the toughest nights of my life was when I prepared to leave the last time.
“It’s really tough- but that is our job.”
Although he has to return to Mali next week, Graham confirmed he will be home for Christmas this year, before going on duty again for another three months.
