Graham Norton unveils memorial in his native Bandon to those who died in the Covid-19 pandemic

He admitted his mother would never have forgiven him if he didn’t personally support the poignant initiative by a cross-generational arts group in his native West Cork.

The BBC star, a native of Bandon, unveiled the special plaque on a bridge over the River Bandon which aims to commemorate all those who died during the height of the pandemic between 2020 and 2023.

Looking tanned and relaxed, the broadcaster and author admitted he loved being back in West Cork for the summer.

“Is there anywhere nicer to be when the sun is shining,” he said.

During his speech, Mr Norton stressed that cherished memories of loved ones and favourite places can offer comfort in the darkest of times.

He said the trauma of the pandemic was such that it was understandable if some people simply didn’t want to be reminded of it.

“Some people don’t want to think about it again. I don’t know who mentioned the Spanish flu but you can see why there wouldn’t be memorials. Even now, when you see those two metres apart things on the supermarket floor, it sends a shudder through you standing in the queue for your groceries.

“But we must remember. Particularly younger people and older people who were disproportionately affected. Young people lost out on learning social skills and soaking up all the world has to offer and older people felt lonely and isolated.

“So it is terrific to see this being memorialised today with this beautiful artwork. It is in memory, I guess, of what we all went through, what we sacrificed and the people and things we lost.

“I want to say a special congratulations to Creative Bandon and all the older people and Transition Year students who took part in this. I am thrilled to be here to unveil this,” he added.

The theme of the memorial is “Light to Dark – Womb to Light, Every Spring Rebirths”. Carved from Kilkenny stone, the plaque revolves around the everyday activities that helped people through the first global pandemic in over a century.

While inspired by Irish families, the plaque commemorates all of the almost seven million people who died globally in the four years of the pandemic.

It is the third major monument unveiled in Bandon by the TV star with a special riverside walk previously named in his honour.

While based in London, the broadcaster has a holiday home in Ahakista which he admitted is now his “dream getaway”.

Mr Norton has been adopted as an Ahakista local by the community and each year supports local community and charity initiatives.

He so adores West Cork that he chose Bantry as the venue for his wedding two years ago to his long-time partner, Jonathan ‘Jono’ McLeod.

The presenter, who is reputed to be worth €30m thanks to the success of his TV and radio shows as well as his novels, has made no secret of how important the area is to him.

Large parts of his latest novel, Frankie, which will be published on September 12, were written in the area.

Mr Norton previously opted to broadcast his hit Virgin Radio show from C103FM’s West Cork studios over the summer rather than travel to London.

He is also an ardent supporter of local events ranging from the West Cork Literary Festival to the Fastnet Film event.

His table quiz at Ahakista Summer Festival annually sees tickets sell out in a matter of minutes with thousands of overseas fans desperate for tickets to attend.

Even his hit novel Holding, set in the fictional Irish village of Dunkeen, was filmed on location in Drimoleague and Castletownshend for ITV.

A keen oenophile, Mr Norton uses West Cork parties and gatherings to trial his hugely successful range of branded wines from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Italy.

Despite his love of the area’s laid back lifestyle, the star admitted his successful career means that London will be his base for the foreseeable future.

“I like my job as it is. I love the show and the way people have supported it. So I don’t think I will be coming back here (Ireland) to work permanently. But I spent a lot of time in West Cork as it is.

“I spent a lot of the summer here and, when I eventually retire, I will definitely spend a lot more time here,” he said.