RTÉ enjoyed a commanding weekend across its television, radio and digital platforms as sports fans tuned in at scale to a packed schedule of international action.
From senior World Cup qualifiers to underage tournaments and provincial GAA, the national broadcaster delivered wall-to-wall coverage that drew millions of viewers and streams.
The standout audience performance came on Sunday as Ireland’s World Cup Qualifier against Hungary on RTÉ2 pulled in an average of 788,000 viewers, securing a remarkable 75% share of those watching TV at the time.
RTÉ Player added a further 435,000 streams, while RTÉ Radio 1 Sunday Sport provided live commentary throughout.
Viewership peaked at 1,017,000 at 4.02pm as Ireland sealed a historic result.
That surge in interest followed another strong showing earlier in the week.
Thursday’s World Cup Qualifier on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player averaged 711,000 viewers with a 57% share, complementing a huge live attendance at the Aviva Stadium.
Coverage peaked at 966,000 viewers, and the game has generated 317,000 streams on RTÉ Player so far, alongside live radio analysis on an extended edition of RTÉ Radio 1 Inside Sport.
Friday brought further momentum as audiences followed Ireland’s FIFA U17 World Cup clash with Canada across RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
The match averaged 109,000 viewers, with more than 334,000 tuning in over the course of the game, which ended in a tense penalty shootout.
Later that evening, the UEFA U21 European Championship Qualifier between Ireland and England attracted an average of 184,000 viewers, with over half a million people tuning into RTÉ2 at some point.
Saturday maintained the pace, with Ireland’s meeting with Australia in the Quilter Nations Series averaging 690,000 viewers and earning a 54% share.
The game has 167,000 streams on RTÉ Player, supplemented by full live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
Ireland’s Mack Hansen celebrates scoring his sides first try of the match. ©INPHO/Gary Carr
RTÉ2 also carried the Leinster Club Football Championship Quarter-Final on Saturday Game Live.
Raidió na Gaeltachta delivered extensive GAA coverage, spanning Munster, Connacht, Leinster and Donegal championships.
The action continues today with live coverage of Ireland’s FIFA U17 World Cup Round of 16 tie against Switzerland at 2.30pm, followed by the U21s’ UEFA Euro Qualifier away to Andorra at 6.00pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
Photo: Ireland players celebrate after the match. ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
