Stars line up for the ice bucket challenge

It’s the middle of August, but don’t be surprised if a sudden flu epidemic descends on RTÉ soon.

Following Rose of Tralee host Dáithí Ó Sé’s decision to subject himself to an ice bucket shower at the end of Monday’s show, other stars have agreed to undergo the treatment.

A US trend quickly spreading across the globe, the ice bucket challenge aims to raise funds for charitable causes by dumping buckets of ice and freezing water onto participants.

Those taking part can either pay €100 to a charitable cause and not do the challenge, or pay a cut-price €20 if they do it — a situation which allows them to then nominate three other victims — sorry, friends — to be similarly treated.

After subjecting himself to the challenge on Monday night, Dáithí nominated ex-Rose of Tralee presenters Ryan Tubridy, Ray D’Arcy, and Marty Whelan to follow his lead.

Mr D’Arcy is abroad but still took part last night, while Mr Tubridy and Mr Whelan both underwent the stunt on air yesterday morning — despite the Late Late Show host attempting to delay proceedings.

Although RTÉ bosses will perhaps be less than pleased at the thought of its top stars sneezing and spluttering, other high-profile names such as Kathryn Thomas, Sinéad Kennedy, and Geri Maye are on the charity drive’s hit-list.

Mr Tubridy joked he “couldn’t even get a seat” in the studio to perform the task. However, he and Mr Whelan stressed they were delighted to help raise funds for the Motor Neuron Disease Association, after the death of their former colleague Colm Murray.

Among others to have undergone the ice bucket challenge are golfers Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, Irish soccer star Robbie Keane, and film star Tom Cruise, while ex-US president George W Bush has been nominated.