It’s the live coverage but it’s also the awareness that comes from playing out promotional content throughout the week on prime time TV.
More people will be aware of the fact that the Liberty Insurance Camogie All Ireland Final and the Women’s FAI Cup Final is taking place this weekend than has perhaps ever been the case.
A full main evening news bulletin report from schools in Galway and Kilkenny will have added to the anticipation and if the games match up to their potential for entertainment as well as inspiration for young girls, then Saturday could be a bellwether day for the fact that Women’s sport at the highest level is just as good a sporting entertainment as that played by Men.
RTÉ is going further than one might imagine with the whole day devoted to Women’s sport.
On RTÉ2 there will be over ten hours of sport including a look back at one of the greatest achievements of an Irish team in the 2018 Hockey World Cup semi-final followed by the FAI Cup Final between Peamount United and Cork City life from Tallaght Stadium and Galway v Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Camogie Final, live from Croke Park.
An extended Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 will also have full live coverage of both the FAI Cup Final and the All-Ireland Camogie Final as well as a discussion on the challenges still facing women’s sport with Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, and former Irish rugby international Nora Stapleton.
RTÉ Player will have an array of sports documentaries while RTÉ Sport Online will have live blogs of both games, reports at the grounds and preview content, including columns, podcasts and feature interviews.
“Accessibility and visibility are key elements in the growth of all sport and women’s sport in particular at this time,” said Head of Sport Declan McBennett.
“RTÉ is delighted to showcase these two national finals so that everyone. but particularly young girls and boys, can see the very best of female sporting talent across all codes. Those playing will not only reap the rewards of their efforts with a title this weekend but will also serve as an inspiration to many more young girls to participate in and benefit from sporting activity.”
Super Saturday kicks-off at 12.25 pm on RTÉ2 and at 2.00pm on RTÉ Radio 1.
Super Saturday
RTÉ2
12.25pm RTÉ Sports Classic
Hockey: Ireland v Spain, Hockey World Cup Semi-Final, 2018. Irish Women’s Hockey defied all expectations to take the nation on an unforgettable ride all the way to the World Cup Final. Relive all the drama of Ireland’s incredible semi-final against Spain.
1:25pm FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Official Film
USA stormed to victory and recorded a fourth star as France hosted the greatest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup last year – seen for the first time in Ireland free-to-air on RTÉ2. Relive France 2019 like never before with the Official Film!
2:30pm FAI Women’s Cup Final
Clare MacNamara presents live coverage from Tallaght Stadium of the FAI Women’s Cup Final between Peamount United and Cork City. Marie Crowe reports. KO 3.15pm.
5:40pm The Geansai
Ladies Le Liathroidi – A look at the changing role of women in the GAA.
6:10pm The Saturday Game Live: Senior Camogie Final
Evanne Ní Chuilinn is joined by Anna Geary, Anne Marie Hayes and Ursula Jacob for live coverage from Croke Park of Kilkenny v Galway in the All Ireland Senior Camogie Final. Elaine Alyward joins Marty Morrissey on commentary. Siobhan Madigan reports.
9:00pm Saturday Night Movie: Float Like A Butterfly
Drama set at the time of former world champion Muhammad Ali’s visit to Ireland in 1972, Float Like a Butterfly sees two communities in conflict, the Settled and the Travellers, as tensions simmer in a rural setting.
RTÉ Radio 1
2.00pm Saturday Sport
A specially extended Saturday Sport presented by Joanne Cantwell from Croke Park with Des Cahill and John Murray in studio and featuring full live commentary of both the Women’s FAI Cup Final and the All-Ireland Camogie Final.
Kylie Murphy, the Wexford Youths captain who lifted the trophy last year, will join John Kenny on commentary for the FAI Cup Final while at Croke Park Pauric Lodge will be alongside former Wexford star Kate Kelly and Aoife Sheehan (Limerick) will be with Joanne for pre-match, half-time and full-time analysis.
There will also be a studio discussion with Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, and former Irish rugby international Nora Stapleton on where women’s sport is now and the challenges ahead plus Ursula Jacob previews the All-Ireland Hurling Final.
Well done to RTÉ for putting their weight behind the doubleheader.
Sport for Business Partners
