RTÉ is the home of women's soccer this July, with the live broadcast of all 31 games of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 - a first for Irish primetime television.
Expert panelists including Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw, current Ireland Internationals Stephanie Roche, Louise Quinn, and Niamh Fahey, renowned coach and former player Lisa Fallon, as well as former players Richie Sadlier and Kevin Doyle will be providing analysis on the games throughout the tournament.
Speaking at the launch of the coverage, RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett said:
"We’re obviously delighted to be doing the Euros. We’re doing all 31 games. It’s a further indication of our commitment to women’s sport.
"Remember that the World Cup in 2019 was effectively the Crossing of the Rubicon moment for the coverage of women’s sport, particularly women’s tournaments. We had Sonia and Katie before that, among others. That was the one big global event that really changed the landscape with regard to the coverage for women’s sport."
"In terms of that tournament, seven of the eight quarter-finalists came from Europe, the exception obviously being the winners, the US, but it shows you the strength and depth of European women’s soccer.
In 2021, RTÉ Sport achieved its 30% target for female presenters on sports coverage across television. For the upcoming Euros, Jacqui Hurley, Peter Collins, Clare MacNamara, and Marie Crowe will be at the helm in RTÉ studios throughout the tournament.
Pundit Lisa Fallon, one of Ireland's leading coaches who has enjoyed an illustrious career on and off the sidelines, previously made history by becoming the first female pundit to appear on RTÉ's coverage of the Irish men’s team and on a Champions League and as co-commentator on a League of Ireland game.
Jacqui Hurley, RTÉ Sport Presenter, said:
"I'm really excited to be part of another major tournament on RTÉ this summer. I think particularily for young girls, these championships could have a major impact on how they see the world of sport, and it's important that the national broadcaster has a role in that. I hope the young soccer stars watching see this tournament as their 'Can See, Can Be' moment."
RTÉ Sport's UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Skin in the Game campaign focusses on members of the up-and-coming U17 and U19 Republic of Ireland squads, and centres on their aspirations to make it to the Euros of the future.
Speaking about the importance of having the national broadcaster cover female athletes so prominently, Irish footballer Louise Quinn said:
"I think it's getting the attention it deserves. It's such a strong and up-and-coming and developing sport in terms of the physicality and the quality and everything we do week in and week out in training sessions, individual sessions, the analysis - everything has upped a level."
"Once those opportunities have been given, the facilities have been given, and the attention it deserves has been given, it's just going to keep rising. It's only rise and get better, and you can see that across the board."
Hosted by England, the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 takes place from July 6th to 31st, kicking off with England V Austria on July 6th from Manchester's Old Trafford.
