PATRICK Kielty's emotional documentary about his father's murder and the Troubles impressed millions of viewers on BBC One last night.
In 'My Dad, the Peace Deal & Me', the Northern Irish comedian spoke about what he has learned since losing his dad, Jack Kielty, to a loyalist gunman when he was just 16.
Three men were convicted in connection with the killing, but were later freed after the Good Friday Agreement was signed a decade later in 1998.
Over 500 prisoners were released following the agreement, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 10.
Patrick, now 47, returned to his hometown of Dundrum to see if the historic peace deal has delivered on its pledge to bring about a new Northern Ireland.
The programme saw Patrick meet DUP leader Arlene Foster, whose father was also gunned down during the Troubles, but survived.
Have made a film about home. And hope. It’s on BBC1 tonight at 9pm. Be lovely if you could check it out. pic.twitter.com/g0tTCcLwBi
— Patrick Kielty (@PatricKielty) April 4, 2018
Foster refused to vote in favour of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, while Kielty took the opposite approach despite it leading directly to the release of his dad's killers.
"I can’t forgive them for what they did," he said. "But whether or not these people are in jail, it isn’t going to bring my dad back."
Patrick was inundated with messages from viewers who said they were “lost for words” after watching his "intelligent, honest and optimistic" documentary.
One person wrote on Twitter: “Well done Patrick, your dad will be looking down on you tonight a very proud man".
Another said: "Patrick Kielty's balance towards the topic of the troubles is amazing, so forgiving, so humble. Brilliant programme".
While a third added: "Really impressive documentary from Patrick Kielty tonight. Those with heels dug in on both sides should reflect on his and others desire to move on."
#mydadthepeacedealandme The brave cross a line, for a purpose. Powerful, from Patrick Kielty.
— Alastair Stewart (@alstewitn) April 4, 2018
Well, take a bow Patrick Kielty. A geninely insightful doc into N.Ireland. And his testimony about accepting his father's killers release for prison - without forgiving them - was important and fascinating to hear
— Harry Wallop (@hwallop) April 4, 2018
Really impressive documentary from Patrick Kielty tonight. Those with heels dug in on both sides should reflect on his and others desire to move on. Big plug for Integrated education.
Well done Patrick you nailed it at so many levels.— Trevor Lunn (@TrevorLunnLV) April 4, 2018
Patrick Kielty's doc on the Good Friday Agreement on BBC1 atm is very good. Great use of a celebrity and a personal narrative to open up a subject without being crass.
— Josh Lowe (@JeyyLowe) April 4, 2018
Patrick Kielty’s on the Troubles & the Goid Friday Agreement is excellent, challenging & insightful with powerful interviews with people at the heart of it all.
Good to see Mo Mowlem again too; what frontline politician has comparable stature to her now?
— Joel Taylor (@JoelTaylorhack) April 4, 2018
Well done @PatricKielty your dad will be looking down on you tonight a very proud man.
— Terry Hallahan (@TerryHallahan) April 4, 2018
Brilliant Doc Paddy. Best bit of telly I’ve seen in ages. Sincere, intelligent, honest and optimistic.
— Carl (@norrisofthorpe) April 4, 2018
Fantastic show Paddy! Your hopes for the province speak for a lot of people here! Your da would be proud of you!
— Maurice Quinn (@QuinnMauri) April 4, 2018
My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me
This is simply outstanding.
Patrick Kielty, comic & son of a man murdered in the Troubles, reviews what has happened since the Good Friday Agreement.
How we can even thinking about throwing away what was achieved in the GFA is beyond me.
— Aunty Janet #FBPE (@scarlettpeach) April 4, 2018
My Dad, the Peace Deal and Me
This is simply outstanding.
Patrick Kielty, comic & son of a man murdered in the Troubles, reviews what has happened since the Good Friday Agreement.
How we can even thinking about throwing away what was achieved in the GFA is beyond me.
— Aunty Janet #FBPE (@scarlettpeach) April 4, 2018
