Ireland’s Most Loved Up Couple Has Been Revealed

Ireland’s most loved-up couple were revealed on tonight’s Late Late Show.

Earlier this month The Late Late Show wanted to find Ireland's most loved up couple and called on people to nominate couples they felt were the most deserving of the title, who would win a fantastic getaway. The winners, Debbie and Reg, literally are a perfect match.

Debbie Laffan saved the life of husband Reg Plunkett when she donated one of her kidneys to him last year.

Reg was diagnosed with stage five renal failure in 2012, after he went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms, just three months after the birth of the couple’s third child. He was kept in hospital and placed on dialysis immediately.

The next three years were a battle to keep Reg alive until something completely unexpected happened. Debbie decided to get tested to see if she could be a transplant match for her beloved husband.

When the blood tests came back, it revealed that she was a perfect match, "one in a million" according to Debbie.

It wasn't until a year later, in October of last year, after Debbie had ensured she was fit and healthy enough, that she could donate.

Their appearance on The Late Late Show was their first night out since the transplant.

Speaking about the couple Ryan Tubridy says, “Reg and Debbie’s story really struck a chord with everyone on the team. They have been through a tough few years but Reg is on the mend now and we’re delighted to be able to give them something to look forward to”. 

Debbie and Reg met at just 16 years of age at a local disco in Terenure called Itchy Feet. Reg walked her home in the lashing rain and her father took pity on him and took him home afterwards. They have been together ever since.

The couple, who have three children and live in Newbridge, Co Kildare, will celebrate ten years of marriage in May this year.