RTÉ SPORT CAME in for criticism recently following the announcement of their shortlist for Sportsperson of the Year.
Many were left puzzled by the inclusion of Olympic silver medalist and gold medalist at the World Championships Paul O’Donovan, and the omission of his brother Gary who was his rowing partner in Rio.
Others questioned whether national sports like GAA should have representatives alongside international athletes, while many were disappointed that Ireland footballer Robbie Brady, Thomas Barr and Rory McIlroy were also excluded.
Sports journalists Eamon Dunphy, Eamonn Sweeney and Paul Kimmage criticised the shortlist, prompting a reaction from Head of RTÉ Sport Ryle Nugent.
Speaking to the Irish Daily Star today, Nugent elaborated on why he reacted to the comments and explained the process that produced the 12 nominations.
“That was absolutely how I was looking at it (cheap shots), 100% how I was looking at it. I said what I said and I don’t want to go over it again, but we have had a phenomenal year. It’s easy to say ‘them out there don’t know what they’re doing.
“Look at the thousands of hours we produced this year across radio and television. Put it against the British broadcasters, who are much better resourced. It stands up, and I’m incredibly proud of that and everyone involved.
“It’s a subjective thing. Everyone has an opinion and we’re in the opinions business. Most of the time I don’t react because we provide opinion on everything we do. But when the opinion is based on a foundation of sand and comes from guys that should know better, I just thought ‘ok, enough now.’
“Don’t think we didn’t go through a significant process and have some criteria. The inference was that we just pulled the names out of a hat. I have no issue with RTÉ Sport being criticised. We’re not perfect, by any means. But when you have people pointing the finger and going ‘they don’t know what they’re doing… that got me frustrated.”
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Peter and ‘magic kelly’ if you don’t care about football or la liga then keep your opinion to yourself coz nobody cares what you think
I think the point is that the article was headlined as something of worldwide importance. Whereas it’s about a soccerball game in Spain.
Don’t think the whole world would bother their arses watching a chess game, this on the other hand……. Barca 3-1
Man the miseries are out tonight!
Hopefully it’ll be a cracker. I’m going for Real to win 2-1.
I actually fancy barca to raise their game for it. They have a capacity to do it, as with Inter group game in 2009 without Messi
Yeah, they definitely raise their game for Real. Considering I think they’ve beaten them 6 out of the last 7 or something to that effect.
Still, I’m feeling a Real win tonight.
Barca are 17/10. Rarely do you see odds like that on them to win a game of football. I fancy Madrid but you just don’t bet against Barca.
Well, I guess I have my answer.
We care????
Evidently, a lot of people do.
If you don’t care why bother opening the link you ignoramus? It is a match between the best two football teams in the world and I will be watching it, as will hundreds of millions of others the world over.
The headline was misleading. I only opened it it because it said the whole world would be watching, I thought it was a chess game or something….The whole world cares about a football game? My God, Ireland :(
I enjoy sport myself, but I wouldn’t put so much importance on a football game. I’m pretty sure that suggesting the ‘whole world’ is watching it is a gross exaggeration. That said, hope you enjoy the game :)
Get stuffed!
Don’t comment if it’s not your thing, bigoted tosser.
Keep up lad, El Clasicos been appointment TV for years at this stage
Dearie dearie me, Magic Kelly, you poor wee thing.
i think barca will win this game….prob 1-3 id say …
Nice! Ha.
Real 3-2. I do hope I’m wrong though.
Really starting to hate barca now. It’s as if the gods are wearing barca shirts. That second goal was painfully waxy
That’s true, but they could have stuck a few more away
How can you hate them? They’re the best team football has ever seen. They win, but more importantly, they win the right way.
does anyone care about spanish football baaaaaaaaaaaa
In the world of ‘soccerball’ or football as genuine fans call it, el Classico is of huge importance to us. If you don’t care about the game then move onto the next article without commenting and being such a dick
happy chrimbo one and all