Too much discussion, not enough action. Bygone and out of touch pundits. Not enough coverage of the second tier hurling competition. All recent RTE criticism in relation to their GAA coverage.
In response, they elected to show highlights from the first round of the Gaelic football Championship qualifiers on a Saturday night to free up time for the Sunday Game highlights.
They extended their punditry panel to recruit the likes of Derek McGrath, Brid Stack and one-off guest appearances, such as hurling referee Barry Kelly. They utilised Antrim hurler Neil McManus and Kerry backroom team coach Brendan Cummins and gave them a platform to discuss the merits and flaws of the Joe McDonagh Cup.
'If I'm in Carlow today, I'm absolutely livid' - The panel of Neil McManus, Donal Óg Cusack, and Anthony Daly debate the Joe McDonagh Cup and whether the system helps teams improve pic.twitter.com/Qh38pBaVrj
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) June 9, 2019
In all of these examples, you could certainly a case that it's not enough but the fact that a historically slow-moving organisation is open to feedback and willing to change is to be encouraged. The latest evolution is an addition to their co-commentary team.
Live sports commentary is an exceedingly difficult thing to get right. A skill better demonstrated than described. Last night, RTE paired Ger Canning with well-established pundit Tomás Ó Sé for the Munster final between Cork and Kerry. The result was a masterclass.
Who's marking David Clifford and Paul Geaney? The Kerryman pointed out each match-up within minutes. Why are Kerry defensively weak? Great footballers, but few quality man-markers explained Ó Sé. A black card for a late shoulder? Earlier in the game, the same infraction garnered a yellow and that's frustrating inconsistency, as the five-time All-Star highlighted.
Reasoned and insightful. Fair and fascinating.
Tomás O Se is a breath of fresh air commentating on the sunday game , first time watching a game he's been on. He's great!
— Brad (@Brad1992_) June 22, 2019
.@tomas5ky is RTE's best co-commentator.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) June 22, 2019
The audience can already see what's happening, the co-commentator needs to explain why. That's what the public got on Saturday.
SEE ALSO: 'The GAA Is Dying In This City' - A Desperate Plea To Save A Home
