Ireland v Canada most watched women’s team sport event in Irish TV history

Ireland v Australia biggest live event of the year on RTÉ Player

RTÉ’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 broke audience records as television live match broadcasts plus highlights reached over half of the TV-owning population. The Republic of Ireland’s group game against Canada was the highest rating game on RTÉ2 and the most watched women’s team sport event in Irish TV history with an average of 551,000 viewers.

The average share of viewing on RTÉ2, excluding Ireland games, was more than double (20.7%) the average share for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (8.9%) while average streams per match on RTÉ Player were more than double* the number seen in 2019.

Ireland’s opening match against Australia was the biggest live event of the year on RTÉ Player with 368,000 live streams, and the second highest live streamed event ever on the platform.** Yesterday’s Final, which saw Spain defeat England 1-0 to become World Champions for the first time, was watched by an average of 333,000 people on RTÉ2, with a 48.3% share of viewing. It registered 69,400 live streams on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Group Head of Sport, Declan McBennett, said “The audience engagement figures across all platforms on RTÉ Sport show that women’s sport at international level continues to grow, excel and inspire. This growth must be matched now at national level to provide the legacy the tournament deserves and the platform for further participation growth.”

Meanwhile there were 10 million page views of FIFA Women’s World Cup content on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app, with the first two Ireland live blogs reaching 500,000 for the opener against Australia and 439,000 for the second group game v Canada. Both live blogs currently rank among the top 20 sport articles of the year. The Women’s World Cup podcast has had over 70,000 streams on RTÉ platforms, Spotify, Apple and YouTube while the RTÉ Soccer podcast had approximately another 12,000 streams.

RTÉ’s longstanding commitment to the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team continues with coverage of their Nations League campaign beginning next month with live coverage across RTÉ platforms of the game against Northern Ireland – the WNT’s first game in the Aviva Stadium.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in numbers:

• Coverage of the Women’s World Cup on RTÉ television reached 2.4m people, or 53% of the TV population (1+ minute cumulative reach, live match coverage plus highlights)
• The highest rating match on TV was Ireland’s second group game against Canada. It was the most watched women’s team sporting event in Irish TV history with an average of 551,000 viewers on RTÉ2
• Excluding Ireland games, the average share of viewing on TV was 20.7% which was more than double the 8.9% average share on RTÉ for the Women’s World Cup in 2019 (live play)
• Total streams on RTÉ Player exceeded 1.3m across the tournament (live matches plus highlights; live streaming and vod), while average streams per match were more than double the number seen for the Women’s World Cup in 2019*
• Ireland’s opening match against Australia was the biggest live event of the year on RTÉ Player with 368,000 live streams, and the second highest live streamed event ever on the platform**
• The World Cup final, which saw Spain crowned world champions for the first time, was watched by an average of 333,000 people on RTÉ2, yielding a 48.3% share of viewing. It registered 69,400 live streams on RTÉ Player

*the average excludes Ireland matches

**Men’s FIFA World Cup Final 2022 – 490,000Source: Nielsen/TAM (Live + VOSDAL, Inds 4+), Piano

Virgin Media Television and RTÉ announce broadcast schedule as the world’s top sides compete for the Webb Ellis Cup 

Today, Monday 21st August, RTÉ and Virgin Media Television announced details of its joint broadcast schedule for the Rugby World Cup 2023, with all 48 matches to be available live and free-to-air for Irish fans.

The partnership will see all games equally aired across both broadcasters again this year, for what promises to be an explosive World Cup. Don’t miss a second of the action from France, as Andy Farrell’s team look to make history in the coming weeks.

It all gets underway on Friday 8th September with the hosts France taking on the All Blacks on RTÉ2. The action runs right up to the final on Saturday 28th October. Ireland will enter the fray on Saturday 9th September against Romania in Bordeaux, kicking off on Virgin Media Television at 2.30pm. On Saturday 16th September, Ireland v Tonga will air on RTÉ2, followed by South Africa v Ireland on Sunday 23rd September, 8pm. Ireland v Scotland will then air on Virgin Media Television on Sunday 7th October.

Declan McBennett, Head of RTÉ Sport commented: “With anticipation rising ahead of RWC we are delighted to bring the entire tournament to the Irish public free to air in conjunction with Virgin Media. The competition promises to deliver some brilliant moments and memories from France and RTE Sport will bring you the thrills, spills and talking points across all platforms.” 

Mick McCaffrey, Head of News and Sport at Virgin Media Television said: “After Ireland’s emphatic victory over England at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, the stage is set for what promises to be a brilliant Rugby World Cup 2023. We are very excited to bring our viewers all the action live and free to air, on the Virgin Media Player and across our social media platforms. Our line-up of expert analysts and commentators will both inform and entertain rugby fans across the country throughout September and October.” 

Jacqui Hurley will present coverage of all the live games on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player with Hugh Cahill, Des Curran and Connor Morris on commentary. Daire O’Brien will also present a comprehensive round-up of the news and action from France on Against the Head on RTÉ2 each Monday. RTÉ reporters including Clare MacNamara, Justin Treacy, Paul O’Flynn and Neil Treacy will be with the Ireland camp in France throughout the tournament. Michael Corcoran and David Humphreys will also bring live coverage on RTÉ Radio 1.

RTÉ panellists and co-commentators this year include Jamie Heaslip, Simon Zebo, Jerry Flannery, Stephen Ferris, Fiona Coghlan, Bernard Jackman, Hannah Tyrrell, Donal, Lenihan and Darren Cave. 

RTÉ’s comprehensive Rugby World Cup 2023 coverage of all matches includes exclusive free-to-air matches on RTÉ2, RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Player, while RTÉ.ie/Sport will have minute-by-minute match coverage alongside news, analysis and interviews and on @RTErugby. Against The Head returns with the latest news and discussions on Monday nights on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Sport will bring fans closer to all things Rugby World Cup 2023 on The RTÉ Rugby Podcast. RTÉ News will have the latest coverage around the Rugby World Cup, including updates on the RTÉ News Now app.

*Virgin Media Television will show Ireland’s quarter-final should they reach the last eight, along with the other game that day. RTÉ will show the other two quarter-finals. 

**RTÉ will show Ireland’s semi-final should they reach the last four. Virgin Media Television will show the other semi-final. 

RTÉ Radio reaches 1,963,000 million listeners, or 47% of the Adult 15+ population, every week, and holds 17 of the top 20 radio programmes broadcasting in Ireland according to the latest radio listenership figures from JNLR. RTÉ Radio 1 remains the only station with a weekly reach of over +1 million (at 1,370,000). RTÉ 2FM has a weekly reach figure of 697,000 of Adults 15+ (up 10,000 BoB*). RTÉ lyric fm has 298,000 listeners on a weekly basis.

RTÉ Radio 1:

• RTÉ Radio 1 reaches 858,000 listeners on weekdays.
• Morning Ireland remains Ireland’s most listened to radio programme, with 440,000 listeners this book (+3,000 BoB)
• The Ryan Tubridy Show has 334,000 listeners each weekday.
• Today with Claire Byrne from Monday to Friday has 323,000 listeners.
• News at One has 303,000 listeners (+3,000 BoB)
• The Ray D’Arcy Show weekday afternoons on RTÉ Radio 1 has 183,000 listeners (+2,000 BoB)
• Drivetime has 220,000 listeners (+6,000 BoB)
• The Brendan O’Connor Show on Saturday has 338,000 listeners (+11,000 BoB) and 323,000 listeners on Sunday(+4,000 BoB).
• Saturday with Colm Ó’Mongáin has 206,000 listeners (+11,000 BoB)
• Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 has 181,000 listeners (+29,000 BoB).
• Sunday with Miriam has 287,000 listeners.

Peter Woods, Head of RTÉ Radio 1 said: “There are strong performances across all our core programmes, ensuring RTÉ Radio 1 is the primary destination for news, current affairs and for entertainment also. Our music programmes are also performing well, with good numbers for John Creedon and Louise Duffy consolidating her place in the schedule. On weekends Brendan O’Connor remains essential listening, while Colm Ó Mongáin, who is new to the schedule, has added numbers on Saturday and during the weeknights on Late Debate. This is a book that shows RTÉ Radio 1 is continuing to connect with audiences across right across the week.”

RTÉ 2FM

• 2FM Breakfast with Doireann, Donncha, and Carl has 138,000 listeners tuning in on weekday mornings (+3,000 BoB).
• Jennifer Zamparelli on 2FM has 133,000 listeners.
• Drive it with the 2 Johnnies continue to entertain listeners across the country in the afternoons with 140,000 listeners (+10.000 BoB)
• Tracy Clifford has 107,000 listeners.
• Laura Fox at weekends from 9-12 has 111,000 listeners on Saturday and 102,000 on Sundays.
• Emma and Roweekends z on 12-3pm have 103,000 on Saturday and 89,000 listeners on Sunday.

Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ Radio Strategy and RTÉ 2FM said: “2FM is in good health following the publication of listenership results for the most recent period. In general, most of our programmes have experienced an increase in audience. Particularly pleasing for all of us at 2FM is the continuous growth at breakfast time with Doireann, Donncha and Carl. With each quarter the show experiences steady growth. Producer Grace Callaghan and right hand person Willem McCarthy also deserve credit for the good shape the show is in. The two lads from Cahir , not yet on air two years, are out performing 2FM’s primetime share by 25%, this is a phenomenal result for The 2 Johnnies. Our new weekend schedule is also bedding in well and I look forward to the next set of results. As ever a massive thanks to our loyal audience and big welcome to our new listeners.”

RTÉ lyric fm  

• Marty in the Morning has 57,000 listeners.
• Niall Carroll’s Classical Drivetime has 44,000 listeners.
• Liz Nolan’s The Full Score/Aedin in the Afternoon (Friday) has 45,000 listeners tuning in(+2,000 BoB).
• Lorcan Murray’s Classic Drive has 55,000 listeners (+6,000 BoB).
• Aedín Gormley’s Movies and Musicals has 49,000 listeners.
• Opera Night has 25,000 listeners (+6,000 BoB)
• Daybreak has 26,000 listeners (+4,000 BoB)

Sinéad Wylde, Head of RTÉ lyric fm said: “Building on morning growth in the last book which has been retained with Marty in the Morning’s 57,000 listeners, in this book I’m happy to see share gains right across weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In particular the growth is reflected in afternoon gains with an increase of 6,000 listeners for Lorcan Murray’s Classic Drive and a 2,000 listener increase for Liz Nolan’s The Full Score/ Aedín in the Afternoon programmes. Retaining growth in the 35 – 54 agegroup of listeners who have come to us over the last year confirms how new programmes such as Aedín in the Afternoon, Ambient Orbit and Séan Rocks on Sunday on RTÉ lyric fm are appealing to these new audiences. The 6,000 listener increase in Opera Night highlights the appetite for opera and classical music and reinforces RTÉ lyric fm’s place in the lives of Irish audiences.”

Dáithí Ó Sé and new co-host Kathryn Thomas have officially introduced all 32 Roses ahead of the 2023 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which will be broadcast live on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Excitement was in the air as the 32 Irish and International Roses, each representing the Irish diaspora from all corners of the world, met the presenters at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin today before continuing their journey to Tralee.

Kathryn said: “What a way to kick off the week, celebrating our 32 Roses – an incredibly accomplished and inspiring group of women. We can’t wait to make our way to Tralee!” 

Dáithí added: “Tá mé beannaithe i measc na mban! The Rose of Tralee tour is in full swing and it’s been a pleasure to meet and get to know this year’s Roses. Next stop the Kingdom!” 

The Rose of Tralee will be available to watch for free, live and on-demand by audiences in Ireland and around the world on RTÉ Player. Features, archive footage, behind-the-scenes content and more will also be available across RTÉ.ie and RTÉ social media platforms over the coming weeks.    

James Patrice will be back as backstage Rose Reporter. Follow his antics @rteone across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tik Tok. The official hashtag is #roseoftralee

Get ready for a lineup of captivating stories and insightful narratives as RTÉ’s award-winning series, Documentary on One returns with a brand-new season. Set to premiere on August 19th on RTÉ Radio 1, the new episodes promise an array of thought-provoking stories with the first instalment titled “Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84”.

Documentary on One continues its legacy of delivering in-depth explorations of intriguing and compelling topics. The upcoming episodes are set to enthral audiences with meticulously crafted stories that span a wide range of subjects, offering an immersive and enriching experience for listeners.

The season opener, “Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84”, takes listeners on a journey, diving into the iconic music scene of the 1980s. Through a combination of interviews, archival material and expert insights, this episode offers an unparalleled glimpse into the legendary band’s visit to Ireland during a pivotal moment in their career and in the history of the Northern Irish Troubles. Produced by documentary makers David Coughlan and Donal O’Herlihy, music enthusiasts and history buffs alike will be captivated by the anecdotes and perspectives shared in this unique documentary.
 
It’s a look into a tour that involved paramilitarism, politics, emigration, unemployment and the soundtrack to a generation as the iconic Mancunian-Irish band pitched up in Ireland for nine gigs in ten chaotic days at the height of the Troubles.

On October 12, 1984, the IRA blew up a section of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, narrowly missing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Amidst widespread condemnation, Morrissey, lead singer of The Smiths, praised the bombers and turned the band’s upcoming Irish tour into a political storm. Formed in Manchester in the early 80s, The Smiths are regarded as one of most influential bands of all time. The four members: Guitarist Johnny Marr, lead singer Morrissey, bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce all had Irish backgrounds and the nationwide November ’84 tour was very much a homecoming.

But it was less than 10 years since the UVF had killed members of the Miami Showband and tensions increased as the band reached the border counties. Why did one of the biggest bands of the 1980s go from headlining Glastonbury to playing a community centre in Donegal? And what happened when The Smiths found themselves in the middle of one of the biggest political flashpoints of The Troubles?

Documentary on One will continue for 10 weeks and will include a wide range of topics. The next instalment of Documentary on One will air on August 26th at 2pm on RTÉ Radio 1 and will look at polyamory, the practice where a couple encourages each other to form romantic attachments with other people. Documentary-maker, Mary-Elaine Tynan speaks to Irish polyamorists in “What If She’s Prettier Than Me?”

Louder Than Bombs: The Smiths in Ireland, Nov ’84
Narrated by David Coughlan
Produced by David Coughlan & Donal O’Herlihy

Where to listen:
RTÉ Radio 1 – Saturday 19th of August 2023 at 2PM
Also available from here and wherever you get your podcasts

About:
Documentary on One is a renowned series produced by RTÉ Radio 1, offering in-depth explorations of various topics through expertly crafted audio documentaries. With a commitment to storytelling excellence, the series captivates audiences with its thought-provoking narratives and engaging content.

RTÉ Board Publishes Second Report by Grant Thornton

Report Identifies Flaws in Procedure and Failures in Governance

Wednesday 16th August – The RTÉ Board has today published phase two of the second report by Grant Thornton, commissioned by the Audit and Risk Committee to examine issues surrounding the public disclosure of earnings by Mr. Ryan Tubridy.

The Board of RTE is releasing the full report subject to minor redactions for anonymity purposes in relation to more junior staff.

Read the Report here.

The Report confirms that 2017-2019 earning figures for Mr. Tubridy were publicly understated due to adjustments made by RTÉ’s financial department.

The Report confirms that the Board of RTÉ was correct in restating Mr Tubridy’s publicly disclosed earnings for the period between 2017 and 2019.

The Report makes clear that neither Mr. Tubridy nor NK Management had any involvement in the adjustments for the period 2017 – 2019.

The Report confirms that while the earnings were publicly understated, there was no impact on RTÉ’s financial statements as a result of these adjustments.

The Report suggests a hypothesis that on the balance of probabilities adjustments were made for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 in order to allow for ‘revised earnings’ below a figure of €500,000 in each year.

The Report highlights poor governance including significant deficiencies in internal management controls, failures in the finance function, and a lack of communication from the Executive to the Board.

The Chair of RTÉ, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, stated: “Regrettably this Report confirms our view of the siloed management culture that has prevailed in RTÉ and supports the decision by the Board to initiate an ongoing programme of corrective action.

The Report paints a picture of poor internal communication and weak processes.

The Report identifies specific dates whereby errors could have been corrected but were not and key documents that could have been effectively interrogated but were not.

It is also clear from the Report that the then Executive did not properly engage with the Board on these matters, nor was relevant information provided to the Board by the Executive or by the auditors.

We will be taking on board the issues raised by the Report and will be engaging with RTÉ’s auditors, Deloitte, to discuss the contents of same.

Steps have been taken to ensure there can be no repeat of these failures. Working with Director General Kevin Bakhurst, the Board of RTÉ remains committed to an ongoing programme of reform and recovery for the organisation. I hope that the publication of this Report represents an important staging point in RTÉ’s rebuilding of trust with the public and stakeholders.”

Official media partners RTÉ and TG4 are proudly supporting Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2023.

Taking place from Sunday August 6th to Monday August 14th, RTÉ will be broadcasting live from this year’s Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. RTÉ Radio 1’s Marty Morrissey, Louise Duffy and Kieran Hanrahan are set to broadcast live from Mullingar, along with RTÉ Raidío na Gaeltachta’s Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha.

Traditional musicians of all ages will gather once again in Mullingar for the Fleadh, as the town hosts the major event for the second year in a row. From competing singers, musicians and dancers to street performers and big names headlining a full programme of concerts, everyone is going to the Fleadh!

RTÉ RADIO 1 AT THE FLEADH

The Marty Morrissey Show – August Bank Holiday Monday (7th August)

Join Marty Morrissey on the August Bank Holiday for The Marty Morrissey Show live from Market Square, Mullingar from 9-11am. Marty will bring us his inimitable mix of chat, music and entertainment.

The Louise Duffy Show – Thursday 10th and Friday 11th August

On Thursday 10th and Friday 11th from 12-1pm, The Louise Duffy Show will broadcast live at the Fleadh from the RTÉ Roadcaster, located at the entrance to Mullingar Town Park. If you’re there, drop down and help Louise get a session going and listen out for chances to win gig tickets and goodie bags.

Louise will also be popping down to the Gig Rig on Thursday evening, ahead of a great line up of music including Clare-Ann Kearns, Laois Music Generation, The Knights and more.

Louise said: “I’m so excited to bring my show to the Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar this year. The Fleadh is such an important celebration of traditional Irish music, and from the street sessions to the gig rig, I’m really looking forward to hearing some of our best loved musicians and discovering some new ones.”

Céili House & Folk on One – Saturday 12th August

Kieran Hanrahan will present Céilí House, featuring truly world class musicians and singers, live from The Gig Rig on Saturday, August 12th from 9-10pm on RTÉ Radio 1, followed by Folk on One with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh from 10-11pm.

RTÉ RAIDIÓ NA GAELTACHTA AT THE FLEADH

Ríl an Ródaí BEO – 10, 11 agus 12 Lúnasa

Beidh Ríl an Ródaí BEO, le Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, ar RTÉ Raidío na Gaeltachta, 10-11 Lúnasa, ó 3 – 5pm, agus 12 Lúnasa ó 1:20 – 3pm. The world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance is again expected to draw nearly half a million visitors to Mullingar, the town where Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the country’s largest traditional cultural organisation, was founded in 1951, and RTÉ RnaG will be there with three programmes of exceptional traditional music and song.

At the official launch of Fleadh 2023, Joe Connaire Cathaoirleach of the Mullingar Fleadh Executive Committee said: “We’ve left no stone unturned to make this year’s event even bigger and better for everybody. We can’t wait until the 6th to 14th August.”

Watch our new promo: RTÉ Supporting the Arts | What’s on – YouTube

Every year RTÉ supports over 150 arts, cultural, community and related events all over Ireland. With dedicated promotion on RTÉ’s television, radio and digital services, and extensive support across RTÉ’s social channels, the RTÉ Supporting the Arts scheme is a lifeline to Ireland’s creative and cultural sectors.

This August, RTÉ is delighted to support:

WATERFORD Anne Collier Exhibition 2023 | https://lismorecastlearts.ie/whats-on/anne-collier

DUBLIN Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker| https://www.nationalgallery.ie/art-and-artists/exhibitions/upcoming-exhibitions/lavinia-fontana-trailblazer-rule-breaker

NATIONWIDE National Heritage Week |Home | National Heritage Week 12 – 20 August 2023

GALWAY AND DUBLIN Esker Festival Orchestra 10th Anniversary Celebration | http://www.eskerfestivalorchestra.com/

DUBLIN PhotoIreland Festival 2023: R/evolutions | https://2023.photoireland.org/

DUBLIN The Holy Hour | https://moli.ie/the-holy-hour/

DUBLIN RHA 200 | rhagallery.ie

DUBLIN The Garden Party | tseac.ie

DUBLIN Fun Home | https://www.gatetheatre.ie/production/fun-home/

CORK Rita Duffy: Persistent Illusions | https://crawfordartgallery.ie/

DUBLIN Irish Memory Orchestra 10th Anniversary Celebration | https://www.irishmemoryorchestra.com/

KILKENNY Kilkenny Arts Festival https://www.kilkennyarts.ie

CORK The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams | https://everymancork.com/events/the-glass-menagerie-by-tennessee-williams/

For more, see here.

Yesterday’s All Ireland Senior Football Championship Final in Croke Park, which saw Dublin overcome huge rivals and reigning champions Kerry, was watched by in excess of a million viewers in Ireland. An average of 971,000 were watching The Sunday Game Live on RTÉ2 while there were 181,000 streams on RTÉ Player.

The RTÉ2 audience represented a share of 77% of those watching TV at the time. Television coverage peaked at 1,096,000 at 5.06pm while the overall audience reached was 1,245,000.

The figure of 181,000 streams on RTÉ Player was up 50,000 on last year’s final while the 971,000 average on RTÉ2 was over 100,000 more than last year (862,000). 87% of Adults 15-34 watching TV at the time were tuned to RTÉ2’s live coverage.

Last night’s highlights and review of the Football year with Jacqui Hurley and guests on the Sunday Game drew an average audience of 171,000 to RTÉ2 with a share of 21%. Meanwhile, Saturday night on RTÉ One saw an average of 322,000 watch Up For the Match with Jacqui and Des Cahill.

Commenting on yesterday’s figures, RTÉ Group Head of Sport, Declan McBennett, said “Given the historic nature of the rivalry and the calibre of players on show yesterday it is fitting that well in excess of a million people would view the game with so many more engaging via radio and digital. Kerry and Dublin always deliver and yesterday was no different.”

The live sporting action on RTÉ continues this week with the FIFA Women’s World Cup, four days of Racing from Galway, Ireland v Italy in the Nations Series from the Aviva Stadium and League of Ireland Live with next Sunday seeing live coverage of all three Camogie All-Ireland Finals from Croke Park.

Saturday Sport and Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 will have live commentaries, reports and reaction this weekend, as will Spórt an tSathairn and Spórt an Lae on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.