Latest news with #DeclanMcBennett
Irish Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
RTE sports boss defends GAA coverage after criticism from fans
RTE Head of Sport Declan McBennett has been forced to defend the broadcaster's coverage of GAA after facing criticism from fans on Saturday. Once again, fans from around the country were disappointed that certain games weren't being televised or streamed on RTE or the GAA owned streaming service GAA+. Meath supporters were the most aggrieved party on Saturday as their famous win over Kerry was unavailable to stream or watch on TV, with highlights being shown this evening on the Sunday Game instead. Taking to social media on Friday afternoon - a full day before Meath's game even took place - Fergal Lynch, sports editor for the Meath Chronicle website, took issue with the decision not to show the game on TV or online. "If RTE or GAA+ couldn't be arsed to show certain games then what harm would it be to let @clubber provide coverage at a PPV cost.. "Clubber provide a great service and I'm sure Meath fans in hospitals, nursing homes and abroad would love to watch their team play.." The post clearly struck a chord with fans as it earned hundreds of likes on Twitter, and it also drew a response from RTE's McBennett, who wrote "Maybe as a sports 'editor' you might want to do some journalism and ask questions as to why as opposed to playing to the gallery. "If you did you would see its for contractual reasons, nothing to do with being 'ar**d'. More games than ever available via RTE GAA+ TG4 and BBCNI." This isn't the first time that the coverage of GAA has been criticised by fans. It can be argued that the issue has been around since Sky Sports began showing GAA behind a paywall for the first time over a decade ago. Since the end of the Sky Sports deal a couple of years ago, games have been streamed first on GAAGO and now GAA+ along with RTE's traditional TV coverage. But despite more games being shown than ever before, fans are often left frustrated that in 2025 they are unable to watch their county play more often than not even when the matches they are involved in are crucial All-Ireland clashes.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
RTÉ double down on FAI Cup as broadcaster strikes new two-year deal
RTÉ have secured broadcasting rights for the FAI Cup for the next two years that will see them double the number of matches shown. The State broadcaster lost the rights to show the 2 The FAI and RTE confirmed a new two-year broadcast agreement that will show six games in Men's FAI Cup 2 Ryan Brennan of Drogheda United celebrates with the cup after 2024 FAI Cup final But Traditionally, the two semi-finals and final were shown, along with around 15 League of Ireland games. But with Virgin taking over the league and showing 36 matches, RTÉ will increase their coverage with one third-round tie and then two quarter-finals in addition to both semi-finals and the decider. Next year, RTÉ will show a further game in the second round — the round when League of Ireland sides traditionally enter the competition. read more on football RTÉ group head of sport Declan McBennett added: 'The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season. 'The magic of the Cup prevails. We are delighted our extended coverage and high-quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike.' Arsenal reveal new home kit for 2025/26 season with major change to badge and eye-watering price
Irish Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
RTE strike deal to show FAI Cup matches for two years
RTE have agreed a deal to broadcast FAI Cup matches for the next two years. Six games in this season's competition will be shown live on RTE2 and RTE Player, with seven slated for next season. It marks the return of League of Ireland football to RTE screens for the first time since losing Premier Division rights to Virgin Media Television this season. This year, RTE will show an FAI Cup third round match, two quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final at Aviva Stadium on November 9. In 2026, RTE will add a second round game into the mix. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sean Kavanagh, Commercial Director, FAI, said: 'RTÉ have a long history with the League of Ireland and Men's FAI Cup. 'The final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with the help of their coverage over the next two years. 'With huge crowds at the Aviva Stadium over recent years, this broadcast agreement will ensure that the magic of the Cup will continue to be compelling viewing.' And Declan McBennett, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ, said: 'The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season. 'The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high quality production standards will capture those moments.' This season, RTE will pick a third round fixture for live broadcast on the week ending August 17. The two quarter-finals to be shown will be on the week ending September 14, while the semi-finals are scheduled on the week ending October 5.
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
RTÉ and FAI announce two-year broadcast agreement to show record number of Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup ties
RTÉ will show a record six fixtures from this season's Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup as part of a new two-year brodcast agreement with the Football Association of Ireland for the competition. As part of the deal, seven fixtures from the 2026 edition of the FAI Cup will also be broadcast on RTÉ. This season's coverage will begin in the third round, followed by two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the final at Aviva Stadium which will take place on Sunday, 9 November. This year's draw for the second round draw will take place on Thursday, 5 June. The first round kicked off last weekend when Castlebar Celtic defeated North End United, with the remaining ties to take place this weekend. The 2026 competition will then see RTÉ broadcast every stage from the second round all the way to the final. "The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season culminating in so many dramatic finals in recent seasons. The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike," said Declan McBennett, RTÉ's Group Head of Sport. FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh added: "We're delighted to announce this fantastic new broadcast agreement with RTÉ which will ensure the best ever coverage of Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup continuing their excellent coverage of domestic football. "As the League of Ireland goes from strength to strength, 2025 is set to the be the biggest year ever for the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup and having coverage this year from the third round will help us tell the story even better with RTÉ2 television. "RTÉ have a long history with the League of Ireland and Men's FAI Cup as the Final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with the help of their coverage over the next two years. With huge crowds at the Aviva Stadium over recent years, this broadcast agreement will ensure that the magic of the Cup will continue to be compelling viewing for the Irish public over the next two years." 2025 fixtures to be broadcast live on RTÉ2 One third round fixture on the week ending Sunday, 17 August Two quarter-final fixtures on the week ending Sunday, 14 September Two semi-final fixtures on the week ending Sunday, 5 October The final on Sunday, November 9.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
RTÉ announce two-year broadcast agreement with FAI to show 15 men's FAI Cup fixtures
RTÉ have struck a broadcast agreement with the FAI to show 15 Sports Direct FAI Cup games over the next two years. RTÉ2 will show six games in 2025 and seven fixtures across the 2026 competition. This year's coverage will begin in the third round, followed by two quarter-finals, both semi-finals and the final at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 9. The 2026 competition will then see RTÉ broadcast from the second round all of the way to the final. 'We're delighted to announce this fantastic new broadcast agreement with RTÉ which will ensure the best ever coverage of Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup continuing their excellent coverage of domestic football," Sean Kavanagh, FAI commercial director, said. "As the League of Ireland goes from strength to strength, 2025 is set to be the biggest year ever for the Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup and having coverage this year from the third round will help us tell the story even better with RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player television. "RTÉ have a long history with the League of Ireland and Men's FAI Cup as the final has become a standout moment of the Irish sporting calendar which is set to continue with the help of their coverage over the next two years. "With huge crowds at the Aviva Stadium over recent years, this broadcast agreement will ensure that the magic of the Cup will continue to be compelling viewing for the Irish public over the next two years.' Declan McBennett, RTÉ group head of sport, added: 'The Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup has always proven to be the biggest draw of the domestic soccer season culminating in so many dramatic finals in recent seasons. "The magic of the Cup prevails and we are delighted that our extended coverage and high-quality production standards will capture those moments for clubs and supporters alike.'
