Viewers of RTE’s The Late Late Show praised the FTD Brothers’ powerful story but shared frustration over their brief appearance.
The FTD Brothers are running 32 marathons across Ireland’s 32 counties to raise awareness of early-onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)(Image: RTE Late Late Show)
Viewers of The Late Late Show were left saying the same thing on Friday night after the FTD Brothers were given what many described as just a “five minute” slot to share their story.
Jordan and Cian, known as the FTD Brothers, appeared on the RTE programme to speak about their remarkable challenge – running 32 marathons across Ireland’s 32 counties to raise awareness and funding for early-onset Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), the illness that claimed their mum Geraldine’s life at just 52.
Both brothers later learned they carry the MAPT genetic mutation, meaning they have a 99.9% chance of developing the same condition in their 40s.
Their powerful story struck a chord with those watching at home, but as the segment ended, many viewers were left frustrated and all making the same complaint that they should have been on the sofa, rather than in the audience, and that it simply wasn’t long enough.
One viewer wrote: “Should have been on the main stage… big let down by RTE… so inspirational!” Another added: “These lads should have been proper guests, on the sofa. Good luck to you both.”
Others stated their disappointment, with comments like: “Disappointed they didn’t get more airtime to talk. So inspirational”, and “Tuned in tonight to listen to these amazing young men , disappointed that they didn’t get more airtime.”
Despite the criticism, there was no doubt about the impact the brothers made in such a short space of time.
One said: “Despite only having 5 minutes you spoke so eloquently and your words were so powerful! Well done Jordan and Cian! So so proud!”
Another added: “Incredible lads, they should have had seats on the stage. Thank you for all your dedication to raising more awareness of the most horrible disease.”
A third said: “The whole of Ireland are behind you amazing men! Your mum is beaming with pride .xx.”
Following the show, the brothers themselves admitted they were disappointed by the limited airtime, saying it didn’t fully reflect the scale of the cause.
In a statement, they said: “Disappointed not to get more time as I don’t think this did the people we’ve lost justice or those we are running these marathons for, too many of us have been devastated by dementia and it’s time for change. We appreciate the airtime but dementia needs a platform bigger than 5 minutes.
“We are eternally grateful for all the coverage we have had this week but more than anything the support over the past 5 days has been beyond our wildest imagination.”
The brothers are currently undertaking an extraordinary challenge, 32 marathons in 32 counties, to raise awareness of FTD, and are urging people across the country to get involved.
In a message to the public, they added: “So if you want to give Dementia a platform all we ask is that you show up in your county when we run there because then the world has to listen. Help us change the world before we die of FTD.”
Details of their Irish challenge can be found here.
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