RTÉ has announced its comprehensive free-to-air coverage of the GAA Championship season across television, radio, digital and on-demand platforms beginning this weekend.
It will deliver 35 live Championship matches across the summer, spanning football, hurling and camogie, as well as key competitions including the Joe McDonagh Cup and Tailteann Cup, reinforcing its position at the heart of Ireland’s sporting calendar.
Live action gets underway on Sunday, April 12, with Armagh v Tyrone in the Ulster Football Championship from the Athletic Grounds, broadcast on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player as part of The Sunday Game Live, presented by Joanne Cantwell.
That evening, Jacqui Hurley will lead The Sunday Game, providing highlights and analysis of the opening weekend’s action, while the following Saturday sees Damian Lawlor front the first Saturday Game of the year.
RTÉ’s television schedule will feature major fixtures across April and May, including a Munster Hurling Championship double-header on April 19, with Clare v Waterford and Tipperary v Cork.
Ahead of the Championship, RTÉ Player is hosting a dedicated preview programme featuring a high-profile panel of former players and analysts.
Among those contributing are Marty Morrissey, Patrick Horgan, John Mullane, Liam Sheedy, Éamonn Fitzmaurice, Peter Canavan and Aoife Sheehan.
Marty Morrissey believes Galway could emerge as a major force in Hurling this year, highlighting “a cocktail of youth and experience” under Micheál Donoghue, while also pointing to Limerick’s renewed drive for All-Ireland success.
John Mullane emphasised the fine margins in Munster, suggesting Waterford’s clash with Clare in Ennis could prove decisive in shaping their season.
Patrick Horgan stressed the importance of mindset and consistency across the Championship, while Peter Canavan pointed to increased competitiveness across all provinces, warning against underestimating a resurgent Cork in football.
Éamonn Fitzmaurice also highlighted the tactical evolution of teams and management following developments seen during the league campaign.
RTÉ’s coverage extends well beyond live television, with a fully integrated approach across radio, online and social platforms.
RTÉ Radio 1 will provide live commentary and analysis every weekend through Saturday Sport and Sunday Sport, led by voices including Des Cahill, Joanne Cantwell and Marie Crowe.
Daily discussion and analysis will feature on Inside Sport and Morning Ireland, supported by a wide panel of contributors including Anthony Daly, Colm Cooper and Cora Staunton.
Irish language coverage will also play a prominent role, with matches broadcast across RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, ensuring accessibility and engagement with audiences nationwide.
Digital platforms, including RTÉ Player, RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app, will offer live streaming, highlights, match reports and expert analysis, alongside a library of GAA-related documentaries available on demand.
The Championship journey will culminate in a series of marquee events, including the provincial football finals in May, the Leinster and Munster Hurling Finals in June, and the All-Ireland series through July and August.
Key dates include the All-Ireland Hurling Final on July 19, the All-Ireland Football Final on July 26, and the All-Ireland Camogie Finals on August 9, all broadcast live across RTÉ’s platforms.
Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport at RTÉ, said the broadcaster is preparing for another compelling season.
“The championship is the true test of a team’s progress and it’s the biggest draw for players and supporters alike,” he said. “Nothing beats the championship and RTÉ is delighted to be at the heart of it, right from the beginning to the steps of the Hogan Stand on All-Ireland Final day.”
Image Credit: RTÉ Sport
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