RTÉ Dominates Weekend Airwaves with Exclusive Live Sports Coverage
RTÉ delivered an exceptional weekend of live sports coverage, captivating audiences across various platforms including television, radio, and digital channels. The broadcaster showcased numerous international sporting events, ranging from senior World Cup qualifiers to youth tournaments.
Impressive Viewership Numbers
A key highlight of the weekend occurred during the World Cup Qualifier match between Ireland and Hungary, which aired on RTÉ2. This match attracted an average of 788,000 viewers, commanding a remarkable 75% share of viewers at that time. Additionally, RTÉ Player recorded 435,000 streams, while live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 enriched the overall viewing experience.
Peak Audience Engagement
Viewership peaked at 1,017,000 at 4:02 PM on Sunday, coinciding with Ireland’s historic victory. Earlier in the week, Thursday’s qualifier featured an average of 711,000 viewers and a 57% share. This match also saw peak viewership of 966,000, alongside 317,000 streams on RTÉ Player. Sports analysis was provided in real-time on RTÉ Radio 1’s Inside Sport, adding to the excitement.
Notable Sports Highlights
- Friday: Ireland’s FIFA U17 World Cup match against Canada averaged 109,000 viewers and included over 334,000 total views, concluding with a thrilling penalty shootout.
- Friday: The UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifier between Ireland and England attracted an average of 184,000 viewers, with more than 500,000 viewers tuning in at some point during the match.
- Saturday: The Quilter Nations Series match against Australia garnered an average of 690,000 viewers, equating to a 54% audience share, alongside 167,000 streams on RTÉ Player.
GAA Coverage and Future Broadcasts
On Saturday, RTÉ2 featured the Leinster Club Football Championship Quarter-Final. Additionally, Raidió na Gaeltachta provided comprehensive coverage of GAA competitions across various regions, including Munster, Connacht, Leinster, and Donegal.
The sports weekend continues to include live broadcasts, such as Ireland’s FIFA U17 World Cup match against Switzerland and the U21 UEFA Euro Qualifier against Andorra. This packed schedule underscores RTÉ’s commitment to delivering extensive live sports coverage, ensuring robust fan engagement nationwide.
