It’s getting closer and RTÉ have revealed the extent of their coverage of Thursday’s crucial World Cup Qualifier in Prague.
Live coverage of the crucial tie will be available across RTÉ2, RTÉ Player and RTÉ Radio 1, as Ireland bid to secure a place in a home play-off final at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, March 31 against either Denmark or North Macedonia.
Television coverage begins at 7.00pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with Darragh Maloney presenting from the Fortuna Stadium alongside pundits Didi Hamann and Shay Given. Commentary will come from Des Curran and Ronnie Whelan, while RTÉ Soccer Correspondent Tony O’Donoghue will provide on-the-ground reports from the Irish camp, including pre- and post-match reaction.
RTÉ’s coverage of the game will be sponsored by Cadbury.
RTÉ Radio 1 will also have extensive live coverage, with Inside Sport airing an extended programme from 6.00pm to 10.00pm, hosted by Jacqui Hurley. Commentary will be provided by John Kenny and Kenny Cunningham, with additional analysis and reaction direct from Prague. Marie Crowe will report live from the Czech capital on the eve of the game, bringing colour and insight from the build-up.
Morning coverage will be led by Des Cahill on Morning Ireland, broadcasting live from Prague on the days surrounding the match, offering previews, analysis and post-match reaction.
Fans travelling to the game will also feature prominently in RTÉ’s coverage. Liveline will broadcast from The Irish Times Bar in Prague’s Old Town on match day, capturing the atmosphere among supporters. The programme will include music, guest appearances and contributions from travelling fans, with Troy Parrott’s family set to join in a special segment.
Elsewhere, 2FM DRIVE with Demi & Mikey will broadcast live from Prague on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing listeners music, interviews, team news and fan interaction from the city centre.
Digital coverage will include a dedicated European Qualifiers Preview Show on RTÉ Player, featuring an interview with Troy Parrott as well as contributions from Czech internationals Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Šmicer. A range of football-related documentaries will also be available on the platform in the lead-up to the game.
The match itself will be streamed live and available on-demand via RTÉ Player, with Irish language commentary offered on the RTÉ2 stream and a dedicated As Gaeilge broadcast on the RTÉ News channel.
Those looking to watch from outside the Republic of Ireland, including Northern Ireland will be able to watch on Amazon prime who have the non-national rights to the playoffs.
Northern Ireland’s fixture away in Italy will be covered live on BBC Northern Ireland and will be similarly able to be watched in the Republic and elsewhere at the same time on Amazon Prime.
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