Breaking News: RTÉ’s Post-World Cup Final ‘Sunday Game’ Hurling Show Likely Delayed; RTÉ, GAA in Talks for 2026 Live Championship Coverage
Will World Cup Final Overtime Delay ‘Sunday Game’ Show? Hurling Fans on Edge of Their Seats
RTÉ’s Dilemma: World Cup Final vs. Hurling Fans
In a broadcasting first, RTÉ sources confirm that next year’s All-Ireland senior hurling final ‘Sunday Game’ night-time show could face a significant delay due to the World Cup final. With the global decider kicking off at 8 PM on July 19 (3 PM local time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, RTÉ’s hurling enthusiasts may have to wait if the match goes into extra time and/or penalties.
Late Night Hurling: Possible RTÉ1 Shift
Did you know? RTÉ, having broadcasting rights for both hurling and the World Cup, could move the hurling show to RTÉ1 in case of an overrun to ensure comprehensive coverage of the world’s biggest football event.
GAA Plus and Provincial Championships on the Horizon
Negotiations between RTÉ and provincial councils are set to begin soon, with live 2026 championship coverage dominating the conversation. GAA Plus is also gearing up, with a schedule releasing next month featuring Clare-Limerick and Waterford-Cork fixtures on their streaming service. RTÉ, meanwhile, is eager to broadcast the Tipperary-Cork and Cork-Limerick clashes, both highly anticipated matches.
Streaming Subscription Boost for GAA Plus
With a cut-price subscription of €79 up to December 31 (€95 thereafter), GAA Plus promises around 40 championship games, a mix of hurling and football. Last year, it offered 32 football and eight hurling fixtures, so hurling fans can expect better representation this time around.
Preliminaries on the Chopping Block
If, as expected, the GAA scraps the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals in February’s Congress, one less hurling championship game will hit the streaming platform. On the flip side, football fans will lose eight group stage games each for the Sam Maguire Cup and Tailteann Cup series, with the hope of featuring some Joe McDonagh Cup round matches in GAA Plus’ 2026 schedule.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Will the hurling final start later if the World Cup final goes into overtime?
A: Yes, if the World Cup final runs into extra time and/or penalties, the start of the hurling final could be delayed.
Q: Will RTÉ move the hurling show to RTÉ1?
A: Possibly, to accommodate extended World Cup coverage if necessary.
Q: How many championship games will GAA Plus stream in 2026?
A: GAA Plus promises around 40 games, with a better representation of hurling fixtures than last year.
Pro Tip
Heads up, hurling fans! Stay posted for GAA Plus’ schedule release next month. You won’t want to miss out on your county’s fixtures!
Call-to-Action
Now’s your chance to have your say! What are your thoughts on the potential hurling final delay? Will you tune in to GAA Plus for the championship games? Let us know in the comments below, and explore more articles on 247sports.new to stay up-to-date with the latest sports news.