Sport on RTÉ Television proved to be a huge draw in 2010, with vast numbers tuning in to the big landmark sporting events throughout the year.
Figures released today show that the top 10 most-watched sports programmes, across all channels, were RTÉ programmes.
The top honours for the year went to RTÉ Two’s coverage of the All-Ireland hurling final between Kilkenny and Tipperary with 979,000 viewers (39% share), making it the most-watched sports programme of the year on any TV channel.
In second place was RTÉ Two’s coverage of the All-Ireland football final between Cork and Down with 770,000 viewers (60% share).
RTE Two’s coverage of The World Cup final 2010 between the Netherlands and Spain claimed third place with 762,000 viewers (11th July, 49% share).
Joining them in the Top 10 are RTE Two’s coverage of The RBS Six Nations clashes between France v Ireland, England v Ireland and Ireland v Scotland, the All-Ireland football semi-final meeting of Kildare and Down, the Euro 2012 Qualifier of Slovakia versus Republic of Ireland and the Guinness Series rugby international of Ireland and New Zealand.
RTÉ Head of Sport Ryle Nugent said: ‘This bears testament to the quality and range of RTÉ Sports coverage and our commitment, as a public service broadcaster, to bringing a comprehensive free-to-air schedule of the biggest and broadest range of sport to Irish viewers.
‘No other organisation delivers so much sport to so many Irish viewers and it is a reflection of the calibre of our commentators, our contributors and our editorial staff behind the scenes across RTÉ Television and other platforms that Irish sports fans choose RTÉ in such large numbers.
‘We are delighted that so many viewers tuned in to watch our sports coverage on RTÉ Television in 2010 and we look forward to that trend continuing for 2011.’
