WATCH: Saoirse Ronan silences guests with one comment after Paul Mescal joke on Graham Norton Show

The Irish actress was on the sofa alongside Mescal, Denzel Washington and Eddie Redmayne

Saoirse Ronan has been winning praise online after stunning fellow guests on Friday night's Graham Norton Show into silence with one pointed comment.

The Carlow native was on the sofa alongside Denzel Washington, Eddie Redmayne and fellow Irish actor Paul Mescal.

A conversation about self-defence techniques turned light-hearted when Eddie Redmayne said that one common technique is to use your smartphone to an attacker in the throat. 

Gladiator II star Paul Mescal joked that it's not the most practical advice, suggesting you may have to reach into your pocket and ask the attacker to "wait one second."

He said: "Who's actually going to think about that? If I'm getting attacked, I'm not going to go, 'phone'" as he gestured towards his pocket. As the guests and crowd laughed, Eddie Redmayne said, "that's a very good point."

READ NEXT: RTE Late Late Show viewers 'change channels' after shock moment with guests

Saoirse then commented, "that’s what girls have to think about all the time," leaving her fellow guests stunned into silence before she added, "am I right, ladies," drawing applause from the audience.

The moment has received a huge reaction with many praising Saoirse for shining a light on the issue of violence against women and girls.

One comment on X read: "Well done for saying it, Saoirse Ronan. End Violence Against Women & Girls."

"Saoirse Ronan is a queen. Men need a reminder what it’s like being a woman so they can appreciate their privilege. The silence after she said that speaks volumes," another said.